spuorgelgoog@gowanhill.com wrote:
> On Tuesday, 26 June 2018 19:27:04 UTC+1, Peter Percival  wrote:
> > > Aldi had a temp-controlled soldering iron with conical tip for under
> > > twenty quid, a couple of weeks ago, if you're in the UK.  Still some
> > > in stock last time I looked.
> > This:
> > https://www.aldi.co.uk/workzone-digital-soldering-station/p/083184201878400
> > ?
>
> Almost certainly; Aldi website and my browser don't play nicely.
>
> The only downside is the iron stand is a separate unit to the power box. I
> suppose it minimises the risk of dropping solder on the LCD.

I had a look at that.  The build quality seems very plasticy.  Obviously I
couldn't power it up in the shop to check operation.

What also worried me is the tips semm to have their own long screw thread to
attach to the iron.  I've not seen that arrangement before and I'd be
concerned about availability of replacement tips.  I see there are tips like
the Weller MT2 that have roughly the same shape, but I don't know if the
threads are compatible.

If it were me I'd look for a secondhand Weller or Metcal on ebay for serious
work.  The above might be fine to keep in the car/boat/caravan for a handful
of joints a year, but I think it might not be so great to use on a regular
basis.

Theo

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05