On Sat, 10 Sep 2011 21:09:49 +0100, you wrote:

>I also had a look at one of the Metcal Smartheat stations, but wasn't=20
>impressed about having to buy separate bits for different temperature=20
>settings. I can see where that would help (production lines), but on my=20
>lab bench I like being able to start at a baseline of 335C (for SnPb)=20
>and increase from there as necessary (I usually increase by another 25C=20
>or so if I'm using desolder wick or soldering heavy ground planes).

You just don't need the temp adjustment with a Metcal. With conventional ir=
ons, the thermal
resistance between the sensor/element and the work means you typically need=
 to set the temp over by
a margin depending on the tip size and load of the work.
A Metcal has the heat source and sensing welded to the tip,and  it can pump=
 as much heat as
necessary  in so fast without overshoot that you just don't ever need to ch=
ange the temp. the
STTC/SMTC 1xx series tips are fine for leaded and leadfree.=20
You can do stuff like solder a TO220 tab to a groundplane in a couple of se=
conds with a fat tip,
swap to a fine SMD one and be soldering with it 10 seconds later.

>Thing is, I don't want to plunk down =A3250 plus VAT on a soldering=20
>station on the basis of marketing newspeak

When Metcal started, over  20 years ago, their sales technique was to lend =
people one for a week -
very few (< 5% ISTR) people didn't buy after using it,

Another major benefit is that the (cool) handle-to-tip distance is very sho=
rt, which means it
handles very nicely for small SMD work. =20

Anyone who has used a Metcal will tell you they'd never use anything else.

You want to go for the MX /STSS series as there are lots of useful tip shap=
es, including stuff like
wide blades which are great for reflowing QFPs etc.
Metcal tips and PSUs can often be found on ebay at reasonable prices

Some ex Metcal people formed thermaltronics when Metcal's key patents expir=
ed, who sell a
Metcal-compatible station and tips, which may be worth a look
http://www.thermaltronics.com/

--=20
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