Well it is NO Metcal but similar to Hakko. I have no issues so far working = with Antex but I do have an array of tips to work with. I have done SMD to large AWG solder wit= h little issue.=20 I do practice proper soldering techniques which helps extend the life of th= e tip and use plenty of flux during soldering. As to why not choose Metcal is the cost of each tip and t= he price of the base unit.=20 Any good soldering station requires proper soldering techniques. Each one i= s also similar in performance=A0=20 *with the exception of Metcal* but the difference would be the tip life spa= n. Antex tips quite long for me. It is definitely not perfect due to=20 lack of hot swappable tips but I am happy with the quality of construction. Regards, John ________________________________ From: Vinicius To: piclist@mit.edu=20 Sent: Thursday, December 6, 2012 9:33 PM Subject: Re: [OT]Postage is how much? =20 This Antex soldering station is really a good thing? Vinicius Em 06-12-2012 06:24, John Chung escreveu: > I am a fan too. But the price of shipping is nuts. > > I did order quite a few bits for this soldering station I don't recall th= at shipping was THAT costly. The order > was made through Antex itself. > > > John > > > > > > > > ________________________________ >=A0 From: cdb > To: PICLIST@mit.edu > Sent: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 5:06 PM > Subject: [OT]Postage is how much? > > I'm a fan of Antex soldering irons (as well as JBC),I thought I might > purchase the Antex 690 SD SMT kit. I found a company in the UK who sell i= t > for GBP 188 - quite a bit below Rapids' and Antexs' GBP 250.00. > > Excitedly I waited with baited breath for the freight cost from the UK to > Australia. Apparently it would be sent via a NASA or Virgin rocket. > > Soldering iron station with iron and 12 bits =3D 188.00, postage =3D 221.= 00. > > Five strong mugs of tea later and I'm still in shock :( > > Colin > -- > cdb,=A0 on 5/12/2012 > > > >=A0 =A0=20 --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .