Variable temp. soldering iron recommendations?

Chris Veitch

Western Thunderer
My ancient Antex XS25 seems to have given up the ghost - presumably the element's gone. It's hooked up to a little temperature controller that's so old the dial label was printed on a dot matrix printer, but the pair of them have served me well for years.

There seem to be quite a few temperature-controlled iron kits around for a good price nowadays - does anyone have any recommendations? OR should I just spend £16 on a replacement element and keep guessing the temperature on the faded old dial?
 

Rob R

Western Thunderer
For me the only replacement for a 25w Antex is another 25w Antex.
Treat it to a new element.

Rob
 

neaston

Western Thunderer
Aoyue 937 from Ebay for about £55. I've been running a previous model for some years now with no problems.
Plenty of different bits to choose from as well.
Nick
 

Kylestrome

Active Member
I'm very happy with my Ersa RDS 80, 80W electronic soldering station. It does a good job in 2mm & 4mm scales and there is a good range of bits available from very fine and 'pointy' to big and 'chunky'. Tip temperature goes up to 450 degrees (according to the display).

David
 
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richard carr

Western Thunderer
I'd second the ERSA irons, at least 80 watts. The bits last forever mine is 5 years old and is a long way from needing replacement and it does get used almost every week.
Have a good search as someone is probably selling these for a fair bit less than other people.

Richard
 

iak63

Western Thunderer
Was impressed by a video I saw of DCC concepts irons. But no 1st hand experience.

I have one of their soldering stations and a mighty fine beast too. DCC concepts tend not to sell rubbish.
The other one I have, is an auld Maplin soldering station which considering the price I paid, has given sterling service.
 

simond

Western Thunderer
I'm very happy with my Ersa RDS 80, 80W electronic soldering station. It does a good job in 2mm & 4mm scales and there is a good range of bits available from very fine and 'pointy' to big and 'chunky'. Tip temperature goes up to 400 degrees (according to the display).

David

I hope your experience is repeated, I just bought one!

atb
Simon
 

decauville1126

Active Member
My ancient Antex XS25 seems to have given up the ghost - presumably the element's gone. It's hooked up to a little temperature controller that's so old the dial label was printed on a dot matrix printer, but the pair of them have served me well for years.

There seem to be quite a few temperature-controlled iron kits around for a good price nowadays - does anyone have any recommendations? OR should I just spend £16 on a replacement element and keep guessing the temperature on the faded old dial?

ANTEX XS25 25W 230V ELEMENT 5015044050046 | eBay

I got one from these people and so my Antex 25w was saved! Took about 10 mins to repair but you do need another soldering iron to do the soldering ....
 

Hobbyhorse

Western Thunderer
I've used the ERSA icon1 for some time, I've not found anything it can't soldered easily. Currently using it on my 16mm Darent builds.
Simon
 

3 LINK

Western Thunderer
I also use an ERSA and have to say it is a great bit of kit, the tip heats up so quick you can use it literally straight away. And if it stands idle for to long it drops the temp and goes in sleep mode which helps prolong the tip life. The only thing I will say is that sometimes there is a noticeable buzzing noise,, has anyone else encountered this ?

Martyn.
 

Heather Kay

Western Thunderer
The only thing I will say is that sometimes there is a noticeable buzzing noise,, has anyone else encountered this ?

I can’t say I have. I turned off the temp drop feature. I got fed up with reaching for the iron only to find it was in power save mode!
 

Chris Veitch

Western Thunderer
ANTEX XS25 25W 230V ELEMENT 5015044050046 | eBay

I got one from these people and so my Antex 25w was saved! Took about 10 mins to repair but you do need another soldering iron to do the soldering ....

Well, twelve quid got me a new element and proved to me what a great little tool the Antex is, particularly compared to my backup iron from another Well Known Manufacturer which I had to use to fit the new element. Very grateful too for all the comments on more sophisticated irons - definitely thinking about one of those.
 
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