Weller heating element problem

[Art Vanderlay]

Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place that
deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a new one.
I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and that
the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a warranty
claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can I
be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

 

[Trevor Wilson]

Art Vanderlay wrote:

Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place
that deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a
new one. I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and
that the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a
warranty claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or
can I be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

**I dumped my Weller more than 20 years ago, when I was quoted a ridiculous
figure for a heater. In the time I owned it, I had replacded the transformer
twice, the heater twice and innumerable bits. I was able to replace the
whole iron with a cheap Japanese iron, that held much closer temperature and
offered cheaper bits. I still use it. I have since graduated to an Ersa and
have never looked back. The Ersa is very reliable, has enormous heat
capacity (80 Watts), is comfortable to use and replacement parts (I've only
needed bits) are reasonably priced. Cooper Tools can get fucked, for
churning over-priced junk for too long.

Do yourself a favour and buy anything else. Those cheap Chinese irons from
DSE for $40.00 are plenty good enough to compete with the Weller. Then, when
you are serious, you could look at Hakko, Ersa, or another of the premium
products that easily beat the Weller for price and performance.


--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

 

[Tom]

On 10/04/2011 6:03 PM, Art Vanderlay wrote:

Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place that deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a new one. I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and that the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a warranty claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can I be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

Buy a new Hakko, I want to buy one but my 10 years old (previous model) Hakko doesn't want to break down...
Tom

 

[Gagi-9a6aag]

"Trevor Wilson" <trevor@rageaudio.com.au> wrote

**I dumped my Weller more than 20 years ago...

this is the first bad review about Weller i have heard so far..

personally...i got a Weller Magnastat station 18 years ago....and its a
model since late 70's...actually, the one i got was a gift was from some old
electronic servicer that was retired...i have replaced 3 or 4 bits so far at
price of aprox 5 US$ each...and all working perfect...

i LOVE my Weller, so i bought newer one Magnastat also....10 years ago...and
its perfect....if you know how to handle the bits then it can last for a
long time...i changed only 1 bit so far on newer one...

i still have loads of iron solders of all kinds....but Weller one is turned
on for almost 24/7 and i never had any bad experience nor i had any info
about somone with bad impressions aobut it...

@Art; here in Croatia, you can buy any part of Weller spare part at our
local Weller certified distributor with no dramas at all...i am very
surprised you got such a issues with it over there in Australia..i think
they are trying to rip you off for service fee....

just for example Elmatis, one of where i always go ;
http://www.elmatis.hr/SearchResults.aspx?searchText=weller

5KN = 1US$

 

[Dennis]

"Gagi-9a6aag" <gagi@hi.htnet.hr> wrote in message
news:inrui8$91p$1@localhost.localdomain...

"Trevor Wilson" <trevor@rageaudio.com.au> wrote
**I dumped my Weller more than 20 years ago...

this is the first bad review about Weller i have heard so far..

personally...i got a Weller Magnastat station 18 years ago....and its a
model since late 70's...actually, the one i got was a gift was from some
old electronic servicer that was retired...i have replaced 3 or 4 bits so
far at price of aprox 5 US$ each...and all working perfect...

i LOVE my Weller, so i bought newer one Magnastat also....10 years
ago...and its perfect....if you know how to handle the bits then it can
last for a long time...i changed only 1 bit so far on newer one...

i still have loads of iron solders of all kinds....but Weller one is
turned on for almost 24/7 and i never had any bad experience nor i had any
info about somone with bad impressions aobut it...

@Art; here in Croatia, you can buy any part of Weller spare part at our
local Weller certified distributor with no dramas at all...i am very
surprised you got such a issues with it over there in Australia..i think
they are trying to rip you off for service fee....

just for example Elmatis, one of where i always go ;
http://www.elmatis.hr/SearchResults.aspx?searchText=weller

5KN = 1US$

One of my two Weller magnastats failed - heating element died. I had trouble
getting an element at a reasonable price so I bought a Hakko 936 for ~$120
and now use that in preference to my other Weller. Easier to change the temp
too!

 

[Art Vanderlay]

Tom wrote:

On 10/04/2011 6:03 PM, Art Vanderlay wrote:
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place
that deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a
new one. I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and
that the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a
warranty claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can
I be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

Buy a new Hakko, I want to buy one but my 10 years old (previous model)
Hakko doesn't want to break down...
Tom
Buying a new iron is certainly looking like an option. It's unfortunate

though as I've had this one for a long time and really like it as an
iron. Tips etc have never been a problem. Sounds like Hakko is a brand
of choice as an alternative as several repliers suggest this brand.

I'll have a look into these. Thanks to everyone for their input.

 

[who where]

On Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:03:50 +1000, Art Vanderlay
<nospam@thank.you.very.much> wrote:

Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place that
deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a new one.
I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and that
the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a warranty
claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can I
be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

WES Components, Sydney, have these in stock.

 

[Gagi-9a6aag]

"Dennis" <Dennis@blibber.com> wrote in message

One of my two Weller magnastats failed - heating element died. I had
trouble getting an element at a reasonable price so I bought a Hakko 936
for ~$120 and now use that in preference to my other Weller. Easier to
change the temp too!

Weller Magnastat heater is aprox 40 US$ (and thats considered as expensive)
....you got it even on this web site i gave...

 

[Tom]

On 10/04/2011 8:20 PM, Art Vanderlay wrote:

Tom wrote:
On 10/04/2011 6:03 PM, Art Vanderlay wrote:
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place
that deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a
new one. I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and
that the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a
warranty claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or
can I be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

Buy a new Hakko, I want to buy one but my 10 years old (previous
model) Hakko doesn't want to break down...
Tom
Buying a new iron is certainly looking like an option. It's unfortunate
though as I've had this one for a long time and really like it as an
iron. Tips etc have never been a problem. Sounds like Hakko is a brand
of choice as an alternative as several repliers suggest this brand.

I'll have a look into these. Thanks to everyone for their input.

We use Hakko at my work, they last a long time. We have some very old
models going strong after years and parts seems not a problem. My own at
home is 7-8 years old and had not one problem yet but it only get hobby use.

Funny enough my company is part of Cooper but to get Weller tools from
sister company we would have to go through lot of paperwork and wait few
months, we order Hakko tools or parts and they arrive next day.

Tom

 

[Trevor Wilson]

Tom wrote:

On 10/04/2011 8:20 PM, Art Vanderlay wrote:
Tom wrote:
On 10/04/2011 6:03 PM, Art Vanderlay wrote:
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w)
so after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place
that deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a
new one. I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and
that the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a
warranty claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or
can I be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without
hassle. I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and
will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

Buy a new Hakko, I want to buy one but my 10 years old (previous
model) Hakko doesn't want to break down...
Tom
Buying a new iron is certainly looking like an option. It's
unfortunate though as I've had this one for a long time and really
like it as an iron. Tips etc have never been a problem. Sounds like
Hakko is a brand of choice as an alternative as several repliers
suggest this brand. I'll have a look into these. Thanks to everyone for
their input.

We use Hakko at my work, they last a long time. We have some very old
models going strong after years and parts seems not a problem. My own
at home is 7-8 years old and had not one problem yet but it only get
hobby use.
Funny enough my company is part of Cooper but to get Weller tools from
sister company we would have to go through lot of paperwork and wait
few months, we order Hakko tools or parts and they arrive next day.

**Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. The best side cutters I have ever
owned (and I've owned most of the premium brands) was made in the US by the
(wait for it) Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company. Seriously tough cutting
edge that lasts for years. Well made and modestly priced (about 50% cheaper
than the Swedish stuff). When it came time to replace my cutters a few years
back, I looked everywhere and couldn't locate a replacement. I finally
tracked them down. Cooper Tools had bought out the company and shut them
down. Cooper kindly offered to sell me their replacement, which I tried and
rejected. More Cooper Tools crap.

I now avoid ALL Cooper Tools products where possible. Bastards.


--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

 

[kreed]

On Apr 10, 6:03 pm, Art Vanderlay <nos...@thank.you.very.much> wrote:

Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place that
deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a new one.
I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and that
the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a warranty
claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can I
be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

Farnell (now element 14)

I have had problems with these too, the elements seem to last a couple
of years and then just go open circuit. Not good.

Solved the problem by buying an Ersa and later a Hakko 936. Never
looked back.

 

[kreed]

On Apr 10, 6:52 pm, "Trevor Wilson" <tre...@rageaudio.com.au> wrote:

Art Vanderlay wrote:
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place
that deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a
new one. I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and
that the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a
warranty claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or
can I be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

**I dumped my Weller more than 20 years ago, when I was quoted a ridiculous
figure for a heater. In the time I owned it, I had replacded the transformer
twice, the heater twice and innumerable bits. I was able to replace the
whole iron with a cheap Japanese iron, that held much closer temperature and
offered cheaper bits. I still use it. I have since graduated to an Ersa and
have never looked back. The Ersa is very reliable, has enormous heat
capacity (80 Watts), is comfortable to use and replacement parts (I've only
needed bits) are reasonably priced. Cooper Tools can get fucked, for
churning over-priced junk for too long.

I would have to agree with all of this. I got one of these Weller
irons about 1985 and it was good for a few years, but then
the element failed. New one and it failed a couple of years later and
so on. I abandoned it after a few episodes of this at $60 a pop.
Didn't have any trouble with the transformer though, you must have
been unlucky.

Do yourself a favour and buy anything else. Those cheap Chinese irons from
DSE for $40.00 are plenty good enough to compete with the Weller. Then, when
you are serious, you could look at Hakko, Ersa, or another of the premium
products that easily beat the Weller for price and performance.

For the price the DSE cheapie is good value. It will work out much
cheaper than a new Weller element and probably last longer. IIRC my
DSE one failed because a wire broke in the cord to the iron. I made a
new (and longer) cord and it was fine again. The symptom of this is
when the temperature meter swings to full scale - hard when wiggling
the cable.

Hakko 936 is excellent, and I find the Ersa to be a little better,
(more solid feel, and preferred for jobs where you need that little
bit more heat) but used in isolation from the other, I don't think
anyone would complain much about either.

--
Trevor Wilsonwww.rageaudio.com.au

 

[kreed]

On Apr 10, 7:51 pm, "Gagi-9a6aag" <g...@hi.htnet.hr> wrote:

"Trevor Wilson" <tre...@rageaudio.com.au> wrote

**I dumped my Weller more than 20 years ago...

this is the first bad review about Weller i have heard so far..

personally...i got a Weller Magnastat station 18 years ago....and its a
model since late 70's...actually, the one i got was a gift was from some old
electronic servicer that was retired...i have replaced 3 or 4 bits so far at
price of aprox 5 US$ each...and all working perfect...

i LOVE my Weller, so i bought newer one Magnastat also....10 years ago...and
its perfect....if you know how to handle the bits then it can last for a
long time...i changed only 1 bit  so far on newer one...

i still have loads of iron solders of all kinds....but Weller one is turned
on for almost 24/7 and i never had any bad experience nor i had any info
about somone with bad impressions aobut it...

@Art; here in Croatia, you can buy any part of Weller spare part at our
local Weller certified distributor  with no dramas at all...i am very
surprised you got such a issues with it over there in Australia..i think
they are trying to rip you off for service fee....

just for example Elmatis, one of where i always go ;http://www.elmatis.hr/SearchResults.aspx?searchText=weller

5KN = 1US$

Gagi, Only reason, off the top of my head that I can think of that you
aren't having many problems there is that if the mains there is 220v
(like I found it was in Russia), then the element is having a much
easier life, and lasting longer due to the 5% reduced voltage.
Australia is 240v and often exceeds this, and most international
products would be made for European 220v.

Most people consider this to be "close enough" but that is NOT always
the case in real life with some electrical items.

 

[who where]

On Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:55:37 -0700 (PDT), kreed
<kenreed1999@gmail.com> wrote:

On Apr 10, 6:03 pm, Art Vanderlay <nos...@thank.you.very.much> wrote:
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place that
deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a new one.
I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and that
the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a warranty
claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can I
be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

Farnell (now element 14)

I have had problems with these too, the elements seem to last a couple
of years and then just go open circuit. Not good.

Solved the problem by buying an Ersa and later a Hakko 936. Never
looked back.

Interestingly, my Weller W-TCP-D dates back to 1975 (and was a present
from my wife-to-be!). Since then it has seen much hobby use, together
with running a small service operation and occasional production
pcb-stuffing.

In that time, I have had one element failure (replacement ex WES was
~$A30) and have probably devoured ten or so tips. The iron is NOT
left turned on when not required.

If I had it to do all over again, I'd do it all over again.

 

[Dennis]

"who where" <noone@home.net> wrote in message
news:auo4q6td4plus89usl57999jq9oji295n8@4ax.com...

On Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:55:37 -0700 (PDT), kreed
kenreed1999@gmail.com> wrote:

On Apr 10, 6:03 pm, Art Vanderlay <nos...@thank.you.very.much> wrote:
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place that
deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a new one.
I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and that
the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a warranty
claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can I
be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

Farnell (now element 14)

I have had problems with these too, the elements seem to last a couple
of years and then just go open circuit. Not good.

Solved the problem by buying an Ersa and later a Hakko 936. Never
looked back.

Interestingly, my Weller W-TCP-D dates back to 1975 (and was a present
from my wife-to-be!). Since then it has seen much hobby use, together
with running a small service operation and occasional production
pcb-stuffing.

In that time, I have had one element failure (replacement ex WES was
~$A30) and have probably devoured ten or so tips. The iron is NOT
left turned on when not required.

If I had it to do all over again, I'd do it all over again.

Which, the iron or the wife?

 

[Gagi-9a6aag]

"kreed" <kenreed1999@gmail.com> wrote

Gagi, Only reason, off the top of my head that I can think of that you
aren't having many problems there is that if the mains there is 220v
(like I found it was in Russia), then the element is having a much
easier life, and lasting longer due to the 5% reduced voltage.
Australia is 240v and often exceeds this, and most international
products would be made for European 220v.

Most people consider this to be "close enough" but that is NOT always
the case in real life with some electrical items.

true..we used to have 220V in main network....but gues what....10 years ago
they did raise the Voltage up to 230V....main reason for that was coz at
some far sided places at the end of sub-trafo station the Volatage would
drop even below 200V sometimes...so, by raising Voltage to 230 - 235V it
never happens again that the drop is below 215V even at the end of power
line far away from sub-trafo station...


i am in the city center and not so far away from central power
ditributor....so, during the day time, power Voltage is in range 228-232V
.....while at late night...aprox 3AM Voltage is up to 235V...however, all the
equipment is still working great....while some people (especially those who
are right next to power distributor station) are complaining as Voltage over
there is much higher, 240-245....sometimes some peaks even up to 250Volts so
they have a problem with burning lightbulbs a lot...

 

[Dennis]

"kreed" <kenreed1999@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:9aca874a-593b-4187-a4ee-d4c02dff4917@r13g2000yqk.googlegroups.com...
On Apr 11, 2:51 pm, "Dennis" <Den...@blibber.com> wrote:

"who where" <no...@home.net> wrote in message

news:auo4q6td4plus89usl57999jq9oji295n8@4ax.com...



On Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:55:37 -0700 (PDT), kreed
kenreed1...@gmail.com> wrote:

On Apr 10, 6:03 pm, Art Vanderlay <nos...@thank.you.very.much> wrote:
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place
that
deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a new
one.
I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and
that
the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a warranty
claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can
I
be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

Farnell (now element 14)

I have had problems with these too, the elements seem to last a couple
of years and then just go open circuit. Not good.

Solved the problem by buying an Ersa and later a Hakko 936. Never
looked back.

Interestingly, my Weller W-TCP-D dates back to 1975 (and was a present
from my wife-to-be!). Since then it has seen much hobby use, together
with running a small service operation and occasional production
pcb-stuffing.

In that time, I have had one element failure (replacement ex WES was
~$A30) and have probably devoured ten or so tips. The iron is NOT
left turned on when not required.

If I had it to do all over again, I'd do it all over again.

Which, the iron or the wife?

If the wife buys him a soldering iron as a present, then that is one
hell of a woman


==========================

I was going to add a comment about the wife keeping the sponge wet for me
but in the interests of good taste I won't.

 

[Gagi-9a6aag]

"kreed" <kenreed1999@gmail.com> wrote

Our nazi government banned light bulbs - so except for those that are
left, this won't be a problem in the future.

since when??
it must be some recent decission?!?

 

[kreed]

On Apr 11, 2:51 pm, "Dennis" <Den...@blibber.com> wrote:

"who where" <no...@home.net> wrote in message

news:auo4q6td4plus89usl57999jq9oji295n8@4ax.com...



On Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:55:37 -0700 (PDT), kreed
kenreed1...@gmail.com> wrote:

On Apr 10, 6:03 pm, Art Vanderlay <nos...@thank.you.very.much> wrote:
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place that
deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a new one.
I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and that
the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a warranty
claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can I
be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

Farnell (now element 14)

I have had problems with these too, the elements seem to last a couple
of years and then just go open circuit. Not good.

Solved the problem by buying an Ersa and later a Hakko 936.  Never
looked back.

Interestingly, my Weller W-TCP-D dates back to 1975 (and was a present
from my wife-to-be!).  Since then it has seen much hobby use, together
with running a small service operation and occasional production
pcb-stuffing.

In that time, I have had one element failure (replacement ex WES was
~$A30) and have probably devoured ten or so tips.  The iron is NOT
left turned on when not required.

If I had it to do all over again, I'd do it all over again.

Which, the iron or the wife?                

If the wife buys him a soldering iron as a present, then that is one
hell of a woman

 

[kreed]

On Apr 11, 6:59 pm, "Gagi-9a6aag" <g...@hi.htnet.hr> wrote:

"kreed" <kenreed1...@gmail.com> wrote

Gagi, Only reason, off the top of my head that I can think of that you
aren't having many problems there is that if the mains there is 220v
(like I found it was in Russia), then the element is having a much
easier life, and lasting longer due to the 5% reduced voltage.
Australia is 240v and often exceeds this, and most international
products would be made for European 220v.
Most people consider this to be "close enough" but that is NOT always
the case in real life with some electrical items.

true..we used to have 220V in main network....but gues what....10 years ago
they did raise the Voltage up to 230V....main reason for that was coz at
some far sided places at the end of sub-trafo station the Volatage would
drop even below 200V sometimes...so, by raising Voltage to 230 - 235V it
never happens again that the drop is below 215V even at the end of power
line far away from sub-trafo station...

i am in the city center and not so far away from central power
ditributor....so, during the day time, power Voltage is in range 228-232V
....while at late night...aprox 3AM Voltage is up to 235V...however, all the
equipment is still working great....while some people  (especially those who
are right next to power distributor station) are complaining as Voltage over
there is much higher, 240-245....sometimes some peaks even up to 250Volts so
they have a problem with burning lightbulbs a lot...

Our nazi government banned light bulbs - so except for those that are
left, this won't be a problem in the future.