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Reviews For: Weller WESD51 Soldering Station (WESD51D for 240 V version)

Category: Tools & Test Equipment for the amateur radio work bench

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Review Summary For : Weller WESD51 Soldering Station (WESD51D for 240 V version)
Reviews: 4MSRP: 158.00
Description:
The WESD51 is the digital readout version of the popular analog WES51 soldering station. This station can regularly be found in the $120 to $135 (USD) price range.

This electronically controlled soldering station features a heater and sensor design that allows for quick heat-up and recovery. Wireless temperature lockout prevents operators from raising the temperature to levels higher than specified for the board or component. Wireless tip temperature calibration provides the user with the capability of resetting station temperature readings to variations in tip sizes and styles. Temperature is dial-adjustable from 350°F to 850°F ±9°F. An automatic shut-off feature extends tip, iron, and station life. Station operates on 120VAC (WESD51D model operates on 240 VAC).
Station comes with power unit, detachable 50W iron (PES51) with ETA (1/16" screwdriver) tip, iron holder and tip-cleaning sponge, power on/off switch, power-on LED, and 3-wire power cord.

Features:
Quick heat-up and recovery
Temperature lockout
Improved receptacle / plug simplifies iron changes.
Slim, comfortable pencil style iron.
Wireless temperature lock-out feature for control over assembly process.
UL and cUL listed, ESD safe, uses ET tips.
50W unit, temp range 350 °F - 850 °F
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/electronic_applications/index.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0044.8
GREY2 Rating: 2020-11-11
I like this soldering station Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have only positive experience with this model of soldiering iron. I have been using it for more than 3 years now and it works without any problems and copes with its work 100%. This budget option is just great for a small amount of work.I totally agree with the blog review.
KQ6EA Rating: 2012-04-03
Excellent Soldering Station Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I've been using an Ungar UTC-200 since about 1995, and while very happy with it, I just found out that ALL tips for it have been discontinued, and the places that still have some NOS tips have a very limited selection.
Being an avid builder, and not wanting to be without good soldering station, I searched around and decided I might as well get a Weller, since they're been around since the dawn of soldering, and *still* have tips available for almost all of their irons.
So, I bought a WESD51 for $120 shipped from a seller at that big online "auction" place.
Being a Weller, it works "As Advertised", is built like a brick, and will probably get handed down to my son after I trundle off this mortal coil.....
ERIEDXER Rating: 2010-11-12
Excellent station Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I got this new for $129 on sale including shipping. After 2 decades of using $3 Rat Shack irons, soldering with this feels like driving a Rolls Royce. I should have splurged a lot sooner. My only complaint with this is Weller isn't made in USA anymore, it was made in Mexico. It is well made, and replacement tips are cheap from sellers on E-Bay. Iron heats to temp in less than a minute, and the temp stays stable while soldering. Switch to a good station you won't go back to using junk to solder with.

K1EY Rating: 2009-12-23
Excellent digital soldering iron! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
WESD51 is one of the best deals on quality temp. controlled soldering irons out there. It is very similar to WES51 but it adds digital readout. While adjusting the temperature, the display shows your target temperature and then automatically switches to show the current tip temperature. The thermo-couple goes inside the soldering tip so it is very accurate - it picks up even minimal cooling from thermal transfer during soldering. The display can show the temperature in C or F degrees. The iron uses ET series soldering tips - the assortment of tips is very extensive - there are tips for heavy duty work to fine tips for SMD, long and short versions, "point", "screwdriver" or "hoof" tips and even a "knife" tip for IC packages with J-leads. The soldering tips are not too expensive and are very durable and long-lasting. Changing the tips is easy and quick and can be done even if the iron has not completly cooled-down (! be careful there). The pencil is small, light and ergonomic. The iron heats up quickly and maintains its target temperature very well. It does "overshoot" the target a little bit when substantial temperature drop is detected and the controller tries to make up for it but this condition lasts just for a couple of seconds and it is not too bad - the temperature settles at the target quickly. For the adventures one - it is not difficult to be modified for dual target temperature mode - switching between a "preset" temp and "adjustable" or even dual "adjustable" modes. There is a "lock mode" where a preset temperature can be locked and the temp control disabled by using a special magnetic wand.
The soldering pencil holder is very nice too with ceramic ring and space to store extra tips. The Auto shut-off features makes me sleep better after a late night of soldering. The pencil is grounded at the iron is marked as "ESD safe"
Soldering with WESD51 is simply a joy I will strongly recommend it. Absolutely worth the money!