What is a Weller Soldering Iron?
Weller soldering irons are the industry standard for industrial solder tools, and a perennial favorite of hobbyists and DIYers. Weller was created by radio repair person Karl Weller in 1945, pioneering the technology to produce the first soldering iron.
The Weller brand is owned by Cooper Industries and is part of their Cooper Hand Tools division. Cooper manufactures Weller products for the home user as well as industrial grade tools. From simple soldering irons and variable voltage soldering stations to desoldering units and fume extraction systems, Weller is the top brand of soldering tools and accessories in the world.
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Weller Marksman
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The Weller Marksman is a basic soldering iron for the hobbyist and occasional user. Sold as a kit with chisel point, pencil point and flat-head screwdriver tips, the Marksmen is also available with optional built-in soldering light. Marksmen models include the basic 25- and 40-watt models for electronics use, to 80-watt models for jewelry and stained-glass work. Retail prices are between $15 and $30.
Weller Pro Series and Professional
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The Weller Professional and Pro Series are soldering irons for frequent users and repair shops. The Professional is of traditional design, retails for around $40 and is available in several wattage choices. The Pro Series soldering irons offer modern, ergonomically designed bodies with a ready-temperature LED light and retail for around $30 for the 60-watt version.
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Weller Battery Powered Pro Series
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Powered by four AA batteries, the Battery Powered Pro Series soldering iron is Weller's answer to field repairs when electricity is not available. Featuring the same ergonomic design as the standard Pro Series, the battery operated units also include an LED work light and high/low power-setting switch and indicator lights. The battery units retail for around $20 and include two tips, solder and tip wrench.
Weller Soldering Stations
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Soldering stations are self-contained units that include the soldering iron, holder, tip-cleaner sponge and adjustable power unit. Adjustable power allows the iron to be used for many types of work, and the compact design is perfect for easy access on any workbench. The Weller WLC100 soldering station is designed and priced for the hobbyist at around $50 and features easy-to-use voltage control to adjust power from 5 to 40 watts. A lighted power switch, spring holder and integrated AC plug for the iron are standard.
The Weller WES51 is a commercial grade soldering station with analog controls, while the WESD51 features digital power controls. Both units offer the same quality Weller iron, spring holder and sponge-cleaning tip and retail for around $90 for the analog unit, and $120 for the digital model.
Weller Butane Irons
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Portable Weller butane soldering irons and torches are used for specialty soldering and field repair work. Butane soldering products for numerous applications are offered, from the compact P2C Portasol for around $30, to the PS1100C Portasol Super-Pro in the $80 range.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/roadsideguitars/3103838358
