Gordon Henderson wrote on 26/06/2018 :
> In desperation, I bought a cheapish temp controlled one (from Maplin)
> with a view to replacing it with a Metcal one day - but that was 3 years
> ago and I'm still waiting for it to stop working or need a new tip,
> despite near daily use with a wet sponge.

I think I have had the same one, in occasional use for around 12 years
- grey plastic, LCD actual temperature display + one for the required
temperature, on/off switch and temperature up/down. The original
element failed a few weeks after I bought it, so I bought a few spares
and a few spare tips. Since when it has worked flawlessly on that
second element and original tip. All it is missing is a run / standby
switch to keep it warm ready to use, instead of dropping the
temperature.

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