Metropoulos Forum

Is it worth the money for the weller or should I just buy a radio shack iron to build this amp? Or is there another company that is reasonably priced and decent quality?

tone chaser wrote:Is it worth the money for the weller or should I just buy a radio shack iron to build this amp? Or is there another company that is reasonably priced and decent quality?

I just asked about a Sodering iron and got this reply, saw it on-line for about $45.00:
The Weller WLC-100 soldering station is a relatively inexpensive soldering station with adjustable temperature. Power is adjustable from 0-45 watts. Comes with a sponge and a nice tip and works quite well.

I just looked at it and it looks good. Do you think 40 watts is enough for pots and grounds.....thanks for the info!

40-45 watts is more than enough. I used the Weller WLC-100 model (0-45 watts variable) and had absolutely no problems soldering to the chassis.

Definitely go with an adjustable iron...my experience with the Rat Shack ones that weren't adjustable is that they get too hot and melt the insulation on the wire...which makes for a messy job. Melt it too much and you end up with a potential for a short.

Unlike the Rat Shack irons, the tips on the Weller ones clean completely off when you drag it on the sponge to clean it.

Thanks guys for your help....

I've actually got a nearly new Weller WLC-100 that I almost never use. Even have the box.
I've also got about 6 different style tips to go with it, a couple brand new.
Make me an offer!

I have both and ended up buying the Weller halfway through my amp build due to no availability for replacement tips on the Radio Shack. The Weller's are always available and reasonably priced.

stump wrote:I have both and ended up buying the Weller halfway through my amp build due to no availability for replacement tips on the Radio Shack. The Weller's are always available and reasonably priced.

On top of that, IMHO Weller makes a much better quality product than anything at Radio Shack.

I bought one of these.


Its a Xytronic 379 soldering station. $50

http://www.howardelectronics.com/xytronic/379.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It performs very well.
Heats up very fast, recovers fast.
Many styles of tips available.

I've melted 3 lbs. of solder so far and it's still going strong.

I turned a bunch of guys on to it at another guitar forum and they all like it as well.

I went to sears and bought the weller WLC-100 yest. I haven't soldering anything but i'm all setup to start on the sockets. I need to order everything else for my amp today, before the end of the day. I thank you guys for your help on this because i don't know..

stump wrote:I have both and ended up buying the Weller halfway through my amp build due to no availability for replacement tips on the Radio Shack. The Weller's are always available and reasonably priced.

Boy....
Is that ever a big +1 on that...

The Radio shack 40w soldering iron is pretty cheap and I've built 3 amps with it...easy to get new tips....and the iron is cheap....I bought a nifty spring type stand w/ sponge holder.....

Sorry for not seeing your post, on the fritz. I would have got it from you. I bought it the same day you posted it. My bad. Thank you anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really like my Weller WESD51. The digital screen is a huge plus in my opinion. Plus there is a huge supply of different tips.

I've built all of my amps (plus a few others) on a dual watt (20w & 40w) radio shack cheapie! I almost bought a "good" one on several occasions but I talk myself out of thinking it will bring me bad luck! I am thinking it appreciate in value as it becomes vintage!