Hi all,

I'm looking for advice on an upcoming soldering iron purchase, and I'm somewhat limited by my desire to buy from a Canadian store due to cross-border issues. I use the soldering iron a couple times a year, either for DIY cables or to repair a circuit board. Based on the recommendations I've read here, I'm deciding between (prices are CAD):

Weller WLC100 - $60

Weller WES51 - $110

Hakko 936 - $115

For light work, is the WLC100 good enough? From what I can tell the WLC100 and WES51 use different tips, and the WLC100 has some rudimentary temperature control (I think) while the WES51 and Hakko have much better T-control.

Reading specs on the net can only get me so far - I'd really like to hear any 'hands-on' comments before I make a purchase.

Thanks,

Sam

If you only use it a couple times a year just get this one:

Soldering Iron

If you do decide to pull the trigger on that one, I would suggest waiting for a sale since mastercraft items are from my experience, quite overpriced.

Thanks Darth and Looser101 - I wanted to stay away from crappy tire brand stuff for this purchase - ended up getting the WES51 after speaking with the people at Active123.

Thanks Darth and Looser101 - I wanted to stay away from crappy tire brand stuff for this purchase - ended up getting the WES51 after speaking with the people at Active123.

I certainly like mine.