I've searched the threads a few times, but can't find anything particularly recent.
I need (read want) to step up from a series of budget soldering irons to a proper soldering station. I'm a through-hole and p2p amateur. I build, on average, a couple or 3 diy projects a year. I can get Metcal from Mouser and don't mind paying the extra cash for a quality tool. Any suggestions for something from the Metcal range? Even just thoughts about differences between GT, CV and MX ranges would be appreciated.
As always, thanks for your collective or individual wisdom.
I need (read want) to step up from a series of budget soldering irons to a proper soldering station. I'm a through-hole and p2p amateur. I build, on average, a couple or 3 diy projects a year. I can get Metcal from Mouser and don't mind paying the extra cash for a quality tool. Any suggestions for something from the Metcal range? Even just thoughts about differences between GT, CV and MX ranges would be appreciated.
As always, thanks for your collective or individual wisdom.
I use the MX; https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/soldering-stations/8600169/
It is a professional quality soldering and desoldering station, along with my IR6500 for laptop/tripple layer board and BGA reballing etc.
The MX is worth its salt, even on its own because it is handy to have both rework and soldering in one place.
There are cheaper versions and Chinesium makes and I have no experience of those.
It is a professional quality soldering and desoldering station, along with my IR6500 for laptop/tripple layer board and BGA reballing etc.
The MX is worth its salt, even on its own because it is handy to have both rework and soldering in one place.
There are cheaper versions and Chinesium makes and I have no experience of those.
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Thanks for the useful input. I may well end up with the MX500 or MX5251. That IR6500 looks like a beast.
I have several Metcals, all bought used and all work fine. New they are quite premium. Typically used they seem around $100 for the power supply (28 MHz @40W) then you will need and hand piece and a stand. I also get used tips off eBay. That has also worked out well. Even used they can get pricy, but its like an addiction, its hard to go back to anything else.
Nothing like knowingly heading into another addiction.... I spend way more on tools than on audio.
I have 2 Metcals both used bought through eBay. The MX-500
was an E-Snipe buy only because it was way cheap. I was surprised
even got it. My first set was 15 years ago, the wand was used and
it's still fine. Tips I will only buy new whether eBay or Mouser. It's
too easy to ruin a tip if you don't know what you're doing. The
longer you use a Weller Magnastat, the more you'll appreciate a
Metcal. The Weller is good but the Metcal is great.
G²
was an E-Snipe buy only because it was way cheap. I was surprised
even got it. My first set was 15 years ago, the wand was used and
it's still fine. Tips I will only buy new whether eBay or Mouser. It's
too easy to ruin a tip if you don't know what you're doing. The
longer you use a Weller Magnastat, the more you'll appreciate a
Metcal. The Weller is good but the Metcal is great.
G²