Jason,

 I use the WESD51 here at work.  I build a lot of different circuits and 
 fixtures. I change temperatures often in the course of a day.  So the
 digital readout is a definite benefit.  It's so easy to just glance up at
 the display, and read the temp right away without squinting or getting
 closer.   Plus there is no conversion time involved.  I mean I don't have
 to read a dial, then convert that from F to C, or C to F.  The WESD51 can
 read either degrees farenheit or degrees celcius.  

 The WESD51 also has a lockout feature (I imagine the other models do as
 well) to prevent someone from changing your tip temp. Whether accidently
 or on purpose.

 Do I believe the digital readout, the switchable format (F or C), and the
 lockout feature is worth the extra bucks.   Yes I do.  It's a little more
 expensive and a little harder to justify the extra cost initially, but
 believe me when I say that once you have those features, you'll be glad 
 you went the extra mile and got them.  At least from a factory lab point
 of view.

 Now from a home technician / experimenter point of view.  I still say yes.
 Again, it's a little more difficult to spend the money, and a little
 harder to justify the cost, especially if there is a Mrs. and/or kids in
 the house.   But again, once you have them, you'll be glad you went for 
 them.

 If you absolutely don't have the money to get the WESD51, then you won't
 go wrong with the lesser units.   But if you can swing it at all, go for
 the WESD51.

 And just an FYI in case you didn't know, the WESD51 is ESD safe.
 This could be important depending on the construction of your lab or
 workspace.  But, ESD safe is good to have anyway.

 So, I hope this long winded dissertation helps you out in your decision.

 Good luck and happy soldering.


                                               Regards,

                                                 Jim
 




> I recently lost my soldering station in a move, and I've tried using a
> borrowed cheap model that plugs directly into the wall.  The difference
> is amazing.  The cheap one is pretty much unusable. solder doesn't flow
> where I want it, it sticks more to the tip than the connection, etc. 
> I'm starting to suspect the cheap irons only exist to convince people
> soldering is hard so it will be left to the professionals.
> 
> I'm going to have to buy a new station very soon, so I thought I'd ask
> a few questions first.  I'm looking at getting a Weller WTCPT which
> seems the most similar to my old 40 year old unit.  In looking for it,
> I noticed there's a very similar model (WESD51) with a digital
> temperature readout, and it's 50% more expensive.  Is there any reason
> I'd want to consider this model?  I can't see why that's a useful
> feature.  There's also a WES51 which is identical to the digital
> readout one but without a display for around the same price as the
> WTCPT.  Is there much difference?  They seem to be almost identical
> irons at almost the same price.
> 
> Also, what am I getting for my $100+?  The tip for a nice station is
> still only $5, why can't this tip be used on a cheap iron?  The high
> wattage and regulated output is nice, but doesn't really seem worth the
> price; a low wattage unregulated should be fine.  It seems like all
> that really matters is the tip.
> 
> Thanks
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