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Old 8th Nov 2019, 5:02 pm   #6
TonyDuell
Dekatron
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK.
Posts: 5,190
Default Re: Soldering Iron For PCB's

I've been told semi-jokingly (but only semi-) 'If you can afford it, get a Metcal, If not, get a Weller TCP'.

I can't afford a Metcal (yet), so I have the Weller TCP. I've had it for almost 30 years now, in that time it's needed one replacement element (and of course replacement bits). Some years ago I was doing a repair for a friend and tried to use his Antex X25 (I think) to desolder some connections on a PCB. I gave up, went home, and grabbed my Weller, fortunately before I'd ruined the PCB.

Whatever you get make sure that replacement bits (tips) are easily available. Other spares are up to you, personally I will happily spend more on something that I can keep working.

And no, I don't have an electronics industry background.
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