Soldering stations are mainly used in manufacturing or servicing workshops and normally consists of a power supply (with 115v or 230v input and 24v or 30v output for the soldering iron) a soldering iron and a bench stand. Starting Prices for soldering stations are from around £50 to several hundred £ and one must bear in mind the cost of replacement tips when ordering a new station as it would be false economy to save on the station and continually pay high prices for the replacement tips.
Leading brands are Weller Pace Metcal. We will give a little insight on probably the most popular and best soldering station for several decades, the TCP IRON and PS, PU power supplies The technology used for these stations is the same as the W61, W101 and the W201 irons, however the main voltage from the power supply to the soldering iron is dropped to 24v making it a safer environment for the operator, a comprehensive range of tips are produced by Weller to cover most sizes and shapes and are available in temperature ranges of 500f 600f 700f 800f and 900f. There is I newer version of this station available today which is the WTCP51 @ £79.46 and Click here to view or buy this station as well as tips and parts for the old TCP iron.
Today’s technology has moved ahead and with new directive towards Lead Free Soldering the TCP iron and the PS51 Power supply are somewhat old hat and the new range of Weller stations are the WS81 (analogue) and the WSD81 (digital) These station give precise temperature, an ultra quick response time, light and easy to handle soldering iron, inexpensive replacement soldering tips, antistatic protection, which makes these stations a must for any workshop and specially if lead free solder is to be used in the future. Click here to buy or evaluate these superb Weller soldering stations.
