Soldering iron ?

[glassman52]

Hello, I was wondering if I could get some feed back on which Iron is most preferred and used by every one? I have several good old and heavy irons and am looking to purchase a newer one like the Weller 1175 50 watt.

I have an American Electric 100 watt, a Hexacon 140 watt and an old Solder Master 200 watt to name a few and aside from finding replacement tips, they don't seem to work as well as they use to.

My preference in electronics and circuit board repair has always been Weller and Lenk and I am interested to hear your preferences and suggestions too.(no China made knock-offs please!)
            PS. Man, you sure got some Smilies on this forum! And I thought I had a lot on my comp.!

[Glassic]

I've always had an 80w and a 100w, usually Weller. Currently gone from W80spg and Inland 100 to Hakko 456, it's great!
I don't know anything abut the 1175, is it ceramic?

[Anne]

I just switched over to a Hakko 456 too and really like it. I was using a Weller 100 ( a new one that they replaced due to the previous recall) and I found the temp was flucuating erratically and burned a tip out way too fast. I've kept the Weller as a back up but won't voluntarily use it again (and I'd been a die hard Weller fan for over 15 years).

[Kev]

I too used Weller for many years but just switched to a Hakko 456 as well and love it.

As for the smilies.... .....we do have quite the selection...LOL

[Elizabeth]

I'm not in much of a position to compare,  as ALL we get from Stained glass suppliers now are Chinese stuff that are too heavy for my ailing hand.   I ordered a Hakko 456 through (after seeing everyone's glowing recommendations) through the S.A. Hakko agent (who knows nothing about s.g.!) - and love, love, love it!!
 
Also love the smilies!!!

[Lou Ann]

the only one I've ever used is the Hakko 456 and there is no way I would give it up... my first tip last over 5 yrs and it would have lasted longer if it hadn't of been the victim of operator error

[JoanFrances]

I too love my Hakko 456.  Won't buy any other kind

[Audrey]

Had a Weller 100W which kept loosing heat and frustrating me. It was recalled and replaced, but I haven't tried the new one yet as I had already purchased the Hakko 456 after hearing so many good reviews about it. It is much better. Not much heat lose. Love this one.

[TracyCT]

Hakko 456.  Best ever.

[glassman52]

OK,! well I guess that is the answer I was looking for. Thanks for the response and info. I will look for an Hakko 456 now instead of Weller.


My Hexacon 140 watt was my best iron, but it too eats up tips far to quickly

[glassman52]

I have one more ? and that is how does the ceramic element fare if the iron is accidentally dropped?

[Anne]

good question.  Haven't dropped mine so don't know, but looking forward to knowing the answer to that ?

[Glassic]

I have one more ? and that is how does the ceramic element fare if the iron is accidentally dropped?

     ...........

[Rebecca]

I've used one for over ten years and never had a problem with the ceramic.  It's not ceramic like pottery.  It's a whole different material.

Rebecca

[glasisfun]

I too am using the Hakko 456 and would not switch either.  Haven't dropped it either.  Everyone uses them at the shop I hang out at and they get banged around some by some of the students and don't recall any breaking, not to say they could not, but have not seen it.

[glassman52]

Everyone uses them at the shop I hang out at and they get banged around some by some of the students and don't recall any breaking, not to say they could not, but have not seen it.

Well if anything can withstand a good "Konaning" from students,(I know how my kids treat stuff) then it must be OK.                         
                                                           

[Ozzieglassie]

ok, so Im a bit late answering but better late than never??? lol
It IS ceramic, same as in pottery ceramic but maybe fired to a stoneware type (high) temp. The main issue I've had over the years is when students try to change tips and twist instead of just pull ....and ....yep...they snap off pretty easily. Dropping most times doesn't cause too many issues, depends a bit on the surface they land on (eg concrete floor) and the angle they "hit the deck" but it does happen that they crack occasionaly (sp?).

[Tom]

I have one more ? and that is how does the ceramic element fare if the iron is accidentally dropped?

If I am dropping my soldering iron, it is the LAST thing I am concerned about.  What concerns me most is "What body part am I dropping it on?"  Body parts and hot irons are not compatible in my glass room!

[Tre V]

"I have one more ? and that is how does the ceramic element fare if the iron is accidentally dropped?"


A opposed to being thrown across the room in sheer frustration??   

[ct4mom]

  @ Tom and Tre