Bench Multimeter for £30

[Clive S]

Boyan If you are serious about soldering you need a temperature controlled one I have two of these type http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Profession...-/252506802608
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Profession...-/282136153280
They can be left on all day without problems the bits are replaceable with different temperatures and automatically switch the current on and off.

I more modern one has the temp. control on the box. But will cost about £200 + The lead is made of silicone and flexible
I have had mine more than 30 years and still going strong they heat up in seconds.

[cropwell]

I have used an Antex TCS50 for years* and if it gives up before me I would replace it with this https://www.rapidonline.com/antex-t4...d-iron-85-0555
For big joints I use a large tip to transfer heat quickly, but the tips go down to needle point, 2.3mm is the tip supplied, but I find this one useful https://www.rapidonline.com/antex-b1...s-iron-85-0511

I have a dislike of the rapid heat guns, I used to have a Russian one with a bakelite case - it was downright dangeroos.

Cheers,

Rob

*Held together with cable ties and superglue now

[Boyan Silyavski]

Thanks guys, i think it will be either the Antex TCS50W with the digital control integrated /wow/ , either both / JBC2100/

[Neale]

I used one of the earlier model Antex irons (with analogue temperature control in the handle) for quite a while and with a range of different size bits, it worked quite well. However, it does suffer from "stiff cable" problems - it's a lightweight iron and it's difficult to put it on the bench without it moving - you need a heavy stand to hold it when it is not in use. I now use a (probably more than 30 year old) Weller temperature-controlled iron which came from a scrap bin at work. I had to design and build a new temperature controller for it (Arduino-based) but it works very well, feels good in the hand, and has a very flexible silicone cable that is also heatproof. I don't know if there are any second-hand irons like this still around, but mine is the best iron I have used. You can still buy new bits for it as well. I don't know what the cheap soldering stations from Maplin are like - haven't used one.

[cropwell]

With all this talk, I got hankering for a new brandin' iron. When I read the Antex TCS50 has a silicone burn proof lead, I just had to get me one ! YeeHar !!!

Rob

[m_c]

I've got to admit, my Hakko FX-888 is probably one of the best investments I've made.

[Neale]

silicone burn proof lead,

All soldering irons should come with this as standard!

[Boyan Silyavski]

With all this talk, I got hankering for a new brandin' iron. When I read the Antex TCS50 has a silicone burn proof lead, I just had to get me one ! YeeHar !!!

Rob

You are a lucky one. When i started adding things to basket i saw a nice heavy stand for it, then i remembered i need servo cables, then shielded cables for sensors. Then i see now they have pneumatic tools. Maybe i will leave that for tomorrow, with a fresher mind ...

[JAZZCNC]

I've got one of these and love it.
I can also vouch they are strong.?? . . . Because if you drag it off the bench and run over it with pallet truck they still work. . .Lol

http://www.circuitspecialists.eu/csi...l&utm_content=

[cropwell]

Thanks Jazz, I have bookmarked the site - look to be good prices there !