When comparing WLC100 Soldering Station by Weller vs SSVT Variable Temperature Soldering Station by Stahl Tools, the Slant community recommends WLC100 Soldering Station by Weller for most people. In the question“What's the best soldering iron for small electronics?” WLC100 Soldering Station by Weller is ranked 3rd while SSVT Variable Temperature Soldering Station by Stahl Tools is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose WLC100 Soldering Station by Weller is:
Considering the decent power and thoughtful design, this soldering station is very affordable compared to most of its alternatives on the market which can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Great value
Considering the decent power and thoughtful design, this soldering station is very affordable compared to most of its alternatives on the market which can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars.
Pro Robust design
It is often the case that soldering iron tips have to be replaced due to corrosion just after several month of using them. However, tips of this Weller are tougher than average and will serve you up to three years.
Pro Convenient to use and store
While some soldering stations take up as much as 10x7 inches of space, this one has dimensions of 8x6 inches. It won't take up a large area on the desk or the shelf.
Pro Comfortable even for long stretches of time
This iron is equipped with a soft foam grip that prevents your fingers from slipping and makes using it very comfortable.
Pro Hardy stainless steel pencil stand
The stainless steel spring stand lets you conveniently rest the pencil when you're not using it.
Pro You can choose the power output
By choosing power output from 5 to 40 W, you can find the heating mode that suits your needs best for the work you're doing.
Pro Well-suited for tasks that demand precise temperature
The temperature control function allows you to choose from 302 up to 842°F of heat. Having this much control, you can use this soldering iron for tasks that demand precision - like working with very small objects.
Pro Comfortable handle
The pencil is equipped with a rubber grip that prevents your fingers from slipping. It also acts as a heat insulator to protect you from burns.
Pro Great value
Considering other devices with comparable power and functionality that sell for up to $100, this soldering station comes cheaply. Great option for amateurs and hobbyists.
Pro Hardy stainless steel pencil stand
The spring stand lets you conveniently rest the pencil when you're not using it.
Cons
Con Rigid cord makes using the station less convenient
The power cord of this soldering station isn't flexible, which takes away from the convenience of using it and carries a high risk of eventually breaking the cord.
Con Not suited for precise soldering
While the power can be switched, there is no direct way to control temperature. You can't really ensure a constant heat output. This makes this soldering station ill-suited for tasks that demand high precision.
Con Heavy
Total weight of 1.8 lbs makes this station inconvenient to carry around.
Con Poor build quality
Some common issues that users find are fragility of the power cord and malfunction of the heating mechanism that translates into a puff of smoke coming from the handle of the pencil.