Temperature Controlled Soldering Iron

[ecat]

I have one of those Maplin irons, they work quite well but it's worth noting that the dial does not control the tip temperature rather it controls the power applied to the tip.

I also have one of these

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Weller-Solderi...item1c173c6f91

true control of the tip temperature is achieved by selecting the correct tip for the job. You may get this for £50, it may go for more as the Iron alone can fetch £60.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WELLER-TCP-Tem...item1c16b01064
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Weller-TCP-S-M...item2a0bc34b78

My basic advice, search for Weller soldering iron or Weller station. Not cheap and the really good stuff does not often make it to the uk bay :(

edit: Nice http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Weller-Profess...item4cf320ab39 :)

I've seen some favorable comments on some the Chinese base station + iron sets, I'll post back if I find them. I also know for fact that the 3 Chinese combos in the office downstairs allow true tip temperature control but also require new tips/elements every couple of months!