W
wylbur37
Guest
When I was a teenager, I purchased a Weller 8200 dual-heat (100/140
watt) soldering gun. It served me well over the years. Then about ten
years ago, I went through a period where I didn't need to do any
soldering and decided to give it away as part of "uncluttering". (I
later realized that was a mistake).
Now, I need to do some soldering again and need a soldering gun. I
could purchase a new Weller 8200 through mail-order, which will cost
over $40. (I could also get one used via eBay for as low as $8, but I
don't trust buying used stuff from strangers).
I could also purchase a new soldering gun at Radio Shack, either a
dual-heat (150/230 watt) model (Cat. No. 64-2187) for $29.99, or a
single-heat (100 watt) model (Cat. No. 64-2193) for $12.99.
If I recall correctly, back when I still had my Weller 8200, the first
heat setting (100 watts) was usually enough for most wiring jobs. Very
rarely did I have to click it back to the second position (140 watts)
except to solder some thicker metal items.
I'm currently leaning towards getting the Radio Shack 100 watt model,
not only to save money but because the heavier model (150/230 watt) is
probably too hot anyway and might burn out some components. Another
reason I'm leaning towards getting the Radio Shack one is that there
are numerous Radio Shack retail stores near where I live (in New York
City) and I could just go and buy one over-the-counter without the
hassle of waiting for it to be delivered. (As for the Weller 8200,
it's more expensive and I don't know which stores in New York City
would sell it anyway).
I was wondering what your thoughts were on ...
a. whether 100 watts is sufficient for most soldering jobs
(involving ordinary stuff like LEDs, resistors, etc.).
b. whether you've had any experience using the Radio Shack soldering
guns mentioned above and whether you think they're any good.
c. whether you know of any retail stores in the New York City area
that sell a Weller 8200 soldering gun for $30 or less.
Thanks for your help.
watt) soldering gun. It served me well over the years. Then about ten
years ago, I went through a period where I didn't need to do any
soldering and decided to give it away as part of "uncluttering". (I
later realized that was a mistake).
Now, I need to do some soldering again and need a soldering gun. I
could purchase a new Weller 8200 through mail-order, which will cost
over $40. (I could also get one used via eBay for as low as $8, but I
don't trust buying used stuff from strangers).
I could also purchase a new soldering gun at Radio Shack, either a
dual-heat (150/230 watt) model (Cat. No. 64-2187) for $29.99, or a
single-heat (100 watt) model (Cat. No. 64-2193) for $12.99.
If I recall correctly, back when I still had my Weller 8200, the first
heat setting (100 watts) was usually enough for most wiring jobs. Very
rarely did I have to click it back to the second position (140 watts)
except to solder some thicker metal items.
I'm currently leaning towards getting the Radio Shack 100 watt model,
not only to save money but because the heavier model (150/230 watt) is
probably too hot anyway and might burn out some components. Another
reason I'm leaning towards getting the Radio Shack one is that there
are numerous Radio Shack retail stores near where I live (in New York
City) and I could just go and buy one over-the-counter without the
hassle of waiting for it to be delivered. (As for the Weller 8200,
it's more expensive and I don't know which stores in New York City
would sell it anyway).
I was wondering what your thoughts were on ...
a. whether 100 watts is sufficient for most soldering jobs
(involving ordinary stuff like LEDs, resistors, etc.).
b. whether you've had any experience using the Radio Shack soldering
guns mentioned above and whether you think they're any good.
c. whether you know of any retail stores in the New York City area
that sell a Weller 8200 soldering gun for $30 or less.
Thanks for your help.