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I currently have a Weller WES51 Soldering Station that I’ve owned for about 10 years. While it have served me well all these years — I feel like the thermal recovery time can be a lot better. Hand soldering prototype boards with many different types of footprints is the latest challenge my WES51 is having a harder time with. It feels like it cannot keep up and I have to pause a few seconds while the temp recovers — I believe this is caused by the LEAD FREE solder I’m using that requires higher temp than the old LEAD based 60/40.
So I’m asking the readers of Mavromatic for their recommendations of “Best Soldering Iron”. I’m leaning towards the JBC CD-1BC (or the 2012 JBC-CD-1BB) — what do you think?
View Comments (3)
For Performance/Price I like the Hakko 936. I don't care much for the reliability of the Weller. I have no experience with the JBC. I also like the Hakko because I can easily get tips for it at the local Fry's.
However, for the best soldering iron there is, you can not beat a Metcal. They have the best heat recovery and thermal transfer of any iron I ever used (I used to be a lab tech for Moto many years ago.) Too pricey for occasional personal use but if I ever had to solder again on a regular basis I wouldn't use anything else.
I've used a Weller and Pace and Metcal at work. I just picked up a Hakko for home use but also agree that the Metcal is the best. On power up its ready in 4 seconds and I can pull the hot tip out and plug in a new one using no tools.
Seems like lots of people like the Hakko as a home use iron but I still like the looks of the JBC -- I know that means nothing :D