12 Sep
2011
12 Sep
'11
9:39 a.m.
On 12/09/11 14:23, emanuel stiebler wrote:
On 2011-09-11 18:41, Al Kossow wrote:
Well, that settles it :)
4 votes for Metcal
2 for Hakko
1 for Pace
1 for Weller
(I counted Eric's message as 1 for Hakko and 1 for Metcal -- "I have a
Hakko, but I miss the Metcal I used at work")
I've just bought myself a Metcal MFR-1110 (apparently the replacement
for the SP-200) and a box of bits. As a test, I reworked a bunch of
joints on a stubborn old DiscFerret. Perfect every time.
The front of the handle gets a little warm, but nowhere near as warm as
the Antex (maybe 35 degrees C). Swapping bits is a piece of cake, and
can apparently be done in a "semi-hot swap" fashion. Neat.
It even handles the massive power-plane pads used for the inductors on
the DiscFerret. First time I've soldered those without having to ramp up
the temperature...
I think I'm in love.
--
Phil.
classiccmp at philpem.me.uk
http://www.philpem.me.uk/
I am a big fan of Metcal, especially for
surface-mount work.
Once you use one, you will never want to use an ordinary soldering iron
again.
Same here, bought a complete Metcal station, used on ebay, and didn't
use my Weller since. (have/had really a couple of them)
One point which wasn't mentioned so far, get from the beginning the
right bits & accessories for what you're trying to solder. That's when
the fun begins and you really feel the value of the station.