"Rich Webb" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 03 Sep 2004 12:13:00 -0700, Tim Wescott
wrote:

A friend of mine is putting together a middle-school electronics lab,
and wants to get some good cheap soldering irons. I've been traumatized
by some really pitiful soldering irons so I don't just want to go price
shopping. However, since I've been using professional grade,
temperature controlled irons almost exclusively for years I can't
recommend any good cheap ones.

Can anyone recommend a soldering iron that will actually work but
doesn't cost much? I'm thinking of a rough equivalent to the Weller
WP-25, but that costs less than $20 a pop.

www.circuitspecialists.com has some that look reasonable, although not
under $20 they are temp controlled[*] and have holders. One is about
$30 and the other about $35.

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/4230
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

* it says "adjustable output" so may be open-loop control.

I've purchased from them in the past (and also under their other link
www.web-tronics.com) and they seem reputable. YMMV

--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

I did not mention the second soldering station that Rich references for 2
reasons,

1.) Its price was outside your $$ limit

2.) This station is obviously an OEM version from same Singapore mfg. that
makes the Haako 936 BUT with a connector change instead of the Amphenol/Tyco
used by Haako and Circuit Specialists name.

I do know that some Haako dealers aware of this unit are upset with this
offering and were planning to talk to their Haako representative.

gb

"G.Beat" wrote in message
news:Fy6_c.366781$%_6.342952@attbi_s01...

2.) This station is obviously an OEM version from same Singapore mfg. that
makes the Haako 936 BUT with a connector change instead of the Amphenol/Tyco
used by Haako and Circuit Specialists name.

I do know that some Haako dealers aware of this unit are upset with this
offering and were planning to talk to their Haako representative.

gb


If the Hakko dealers are upset about Circuit Specialists, they really ought to
"love" Madell Technology Corp. (http://www.madelltech.com). They have a QK936A
station that not only looks exactly like a Hakko 936, it appears to use the same
connectors. They also sell several hot air stations that look amazingly similar
to Hakko units.
--
James T. White


Note: Remove SPAM-GUARD to reply.

"James T. White" wrote in message
...
"G.Beat" wrote in message
news:Fy6_c.366781$%_6.342952@attbi_s01...

2.) This station is obviously an OEM version from same Singapore mfg.
that
makes the Haako 936 BUT with a connector change instead of the
Amphenol/Tyco
used by Haako and Circuit Specialists name.

I do know that some Haako dealers aware of this unit are upset with this
offering and were planning to talk to their Haako representative.

gb


If the Hakko dealers are upset about Circuit Specialists, they really
ought to
"love" Madell Technology Corp. (http://www.madelltech.com). They have a
QK936A
station that not only looks exactly like a Hakko 936, it appears to use
the same
connectors. They also sell several hot air stations that look amazingly
similar
to Hakko units.
--
James T. White


Note: Remove SPAM-GUARD to reply.

I do not believe thet were as upset with this firm, since the rpice discount
was not as deep and supposedly "one-time" OEM deal -- which as everyone sees
know -- was not true.-- I would not be surprised that some Haako dealers
will drop the product.

GB