Opinions on soldering Irons, please

[Lynn]

I use a Weller 100 as well-without a rheostat.  I have heard such good things about the Hakko that I have considered buying one (and a rheostat, since I hear that they need one) to see how it does for me.  I do have an Inland that came with some used stuff I bought.  It has never even been plugged in (still in it's packaging) and I keep it around as a backup.

[JoanFrances]

Can't remember what my first iron was.  Bought it from the teacher when I first started glass.  About 2 years into do glass, it seem to loose the heat before I could finish any bead that was longer than 3 inches.

I asked what was happening and what kind I should replace it with.  Everyone was nice and gave me lots of great info on the in's and outs of the different brands.

I ended up buying a Hakko 456.  I love it.  I can actually finish a good long bead without it cooling on me.  I also had to replace my temp control thingie because the plug on the new iron had 3 prongs, so if you buy one of those make sure the plug in you temp controller is compatible.

Good luck

[Rebecca]

I don't use a rheostat with the Hakko 456 and most of my students don't either.  But some of them DO use one, especially when they first start learning to solder.

Rebecca

[Elizabeth]

See now!  that's why I asked for opinions- all those little things I never thought about!!  As Yvonne mentioned -the voltage could be a problem!   According to the S.A. (industrial) Hakko agent - an American Hakko won't work for here (as Yvonne pointed out!) - we require 250v.   Will have to look into that one further!
Also never thought of the controller, Joan - my current one takes a 2 prong plug....     and I do need a controller as I use varying temperatures a lot!
Going to persue the Weller rang availabiulity in S.A. now as well.  Have established that 'some guy in Johannesburg' sells them????  Hope he has a website!
Thank you all again for being so helpfull!

[Glassic]

250v or 240v? Do you have contacts in the UK that can pop a birthday gift in the mail?

http://www.stainedglassnews.co.uk/index.html

[JoanFrances]

See now!  that's why I asked for opinions- all those little things I never thought about!!  As Yvonne mentioned -the voltage could be a problem!   According to the S.A. (industrial) Hakko agent - an American Hakko won't work for here (as Yvonne pointed out!) - we require 250v.   Will have to look into that one further!
Also never thought of the controller, Joan - my current one takes a 2 prong plug....     and I do need a controller as I use varying temperatures a lot!
Going to persue the Weller rang availabiulity in S.A. now as well.  Have established that 'some guy in Johannesburg' sells them????  Hope he has a website!
Thank you all again for being so helpfull!

Interesting to hear about the different considerations that you face regarding the electrical connections.  Glad I shared the plug thingie with you, to make you choice easier.  Good luck with the new iron.