When comparing Model #3020-XTS Digital Display Soldering Iron Station by X-Tronic vs Micron T2460, the Slant community recommends Micron T2460 for most people. In the question“What's the best soldering iron for small electronics?” Micron T2460 is ranked 4th while Model #3020-XTS Digital Display Soldering Iron Station by X-Tronic is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Micron T2460 is:
The extremely high wattage allows this soldering iron to heat consistently for long periods of time. This makes it well-suited for sizable projects that require extended soldering.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Suited for heavy-duty use
The high wattage allows this soldering iron to give consistent heat for long periods. This makes it well-suited for big projects that require extended soldering.
Pro Economical to use and maintain
After 10 minutes of inactivity, sleep mode automatically kicks in and decreases the temperature of the tip. It helps to save power and prolongs the life-time of the tip by decreasing the rate of corrosion.
Pro Convenient solder holder
You can place your coiled solder on the special holder. It's much more convenient than having to hold and unravel it with your hands.
Pro Hardy stainless steel pencil stand
The spring stand lets you conveniently rest the pencil when you're not using it.
Pro Brass tip cleaner saves time and power
Besides the wet sponge that most soldering irons are equipped with, this one has brass wiring. It easily cleans the tip and, unlike the sponge, doesn't cool it down. This saves extra power and time necessary for the tip to reheat.
Pro Responsive controls
The tip temperature can be adjusted from 392 to 896 °F. It heats up and cools down quickly thanks to the high-quality ceramic heat element. The digital screen that displays temperature makes it easy to monitor and adjust the heat output.
Pro Suited for heavy-duty use
The extremely high wattage allows this soldering iron to heat consistently for long periods of time. This makes it well-suited for sizable projects that require extended soldering.
Pro Economical to use and maintain
After 15 minutes of inactivity, sleep mode automatically kicks in and decreases the temperature of the tip. It helps to save power and prolongs the life-time of the tip by decreasing the rate of corrosion.
Pro Responsive controls
The tip temperature can be adjusted from 392 to 842 °F. It heats up and cools down quickly owing to the high-quality ceramic heat element. The digital screen that displays temperature makes it easy to monitor heat output.
Pro Tweezer handle available (costs extra)
An extra widget that can be plugged into the station. Useful for removing low-profile resistors and capacitors, invaluable for removing ICs. Separate purchase.
Pro Comfortable slender grip
The slim rubber handle is not only very comfortable, even when holding the iron for extended periods. It's also very safe, as it serves a heat insulator.
Cons
Con Fragile handle
The plastic handle heats up and cracks after heavy use.
Con The sponge is too thin
The wet sponge that is used to clean the tip of the iron is thin and wears out quickly. It will have to be replaced frequently.
Con Expensive
Most options in this segment sell for under $100, while this soldering iron costs $299.
Con Heavy
This soldering station weighs 5.5 lbs, heavier than the majority of alternatives. If you require a compact soldering iron that you can easily carry around, this isn't the best option.