Maplin solder station

[david counter]

if anybody is interested Maplin are offering their temperature controled solder station at discount
at the moment
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...ation&doy=18m9

[John T]

And very good it is too - have had one for c. 2 years.

[KennyK]

I must concur. I got mine the last time they were on special.

[andrew ivimey]

I have had four in the last two years. Now I have one. This is good value?

Right now, Maplins are doing a 25watt/ 30watt jobbie for about £4.00. I have one. This is good value?

[david counter]

that's a drag, I've just bought one,

I thought they were supposed to be the business,

[Greg.]

Nah, if using them all the time etc, try getting replacement bits etc. This thing has been explored a number of times here and on the previous WAD forum. If you're a serious regular iron user, forget them, regardless of what John T says above. They won't last, likely the temperature settings are inaccurate, and you can't get spare parts. Furthermore from the outset you don't have a comprehensive choice of bit sizes to meet your particular needs. Why do you think Maplin regularly offer them at half price? It's because they are worth less than half their RRP and probably have a limited usability (IMO).

Surely the soldering iron is the principle tool of our hobby. Unless you are an occasional user it makes total sense to invest in a quality product that will last.There are plenty of replacement or additional parts available for the likes of Antex,Weller and others and going for these cheap offers will be a waste of money IMHO (check out the previous threads; others also conclude this way).

Best wishes,

Greg

[colin.hepburn]

Originally Posted by andrew ivimey

I have had four in the last two years. Now I have one. This is good value?

Right now, Maplins are doing a 25watt/ 30watt jobbie for about £4.00. I have one. This is good value?

I have-to agree with Greg
four in the last two years you could have bot a good Weller and have one for many years

[powertriode]

Buy once and buy a Metcal.
I wouldn't use anything else now.

[andrew ivimey]

So, Antex 30watt for £4. This is good value.

[KennyK]

Originally Posted by Greg.

Nah, if using them all the time etc, try getting replacement bits etc. This thing has been explored a number of times here and on the previous WAD forum. If you're a serious regular iron user, forget them, regardless of what John T says above. They won't last, likely the temperature settings are inaccurate, and you can't get spare parts. Furthermore from the outset you don't have a comprehensive choice of bit sizes to meet your particular needs. Why do you think Maplin regularly offer them at half price? It's because they are worth less than half their RRP and probably have a limited usability (IMO).

Surely the soldering iron is the principle tool of our hobby. Unless you are an occasional user it makes total sense to invest in a quality product that will last.There are plenty of replacement or additional parts available for the likes of Antex,Weller and others and going for these cheap offers will be a waste of money IMHO (check out the previous threads; others also conclude this way).

Best wishes,

Greg

I managed to get replacement tips from mapin without any problem. on what grounds do you base your comment regarding the temperatuare accuracy? (other than a suspected hyperbole)