Weller WHS40
Firestick and a light dimmer, not temperature controlled (no feedback loop whatsoever).
Another major problem with this particular iron IMHO, is the tip selection. A whopping 3 of them, and there are posts that indicate the tips wear out fast (as in a handful of joints). Absolutely pathetic, and a waste of money compared to a temp controlled Chinese unit, it's that bad (poor tip selection and lifespan that really hurt this particular Weller IMHO).
might be a good compromise at the only condition 40W is enough for a good work, is the case ?
Generally speaking, Yes in terms of stick irons. Don't get hung up on Watts though, as it's not necessarily an indicator of how well an iron will actually perform.
For example, the nominal rating on a JBC T245 iron is 55W vs. say 80W or even 120W Wellers, yet the JBC can outperform them (better thermal transfer due to heating element is in the tip itself vs. tip is butted up against the heating element in the case in the Wellers).
Have been zoning in on the Ersa irons, but have found it difficult to find the differences between the irons.
Whilst the Pico and Nano share the same appearance, and the esd difference clear, it seems they all have the same power, what is difference that is seen in the prices?
(replacement pencil is more than cost of entire Pico station)
Looking like the Nano is the one for me, but wouldn't like to miss something crucial in the ICon1 due to lack of information.
Pico and Nano each have their own irons respectively, while the larger iCon 1/1C/2/2C uses the larger iTool iron. Though they share some basic heating element tech, the Pico iron /= Nano iron /= iTool (suspect they get more advanced as you progress through them). The larger iCon base units also have the ability to use other tools, such as hot tweezers and such (Pico and Nano do not; they only work with the iron that's included).
Pico is stated as an "Amateur" version on it's datasheet (
here), so they've cut features to meet it's price point (also under the impression this one is made in China, which would help reduce production costs).
Nano is their actual entry level professional station, and has more features (ESD compliant being one of them, that happens to not be software based). Iron should be more rugged, it has a nicer stand, and it may have setback capability when the iron hits the stand*.
*Accelerometer in the iron, but not sure which one for certain (
here) as it didn't mention the exact model (suspect it's the full fledged iTool iron, so not sure on the Nano). Feature isn't critical by any means, but it's nice to have (helps extend tip life, but not a substitute for proper care <keep tips clean by tinning>). Even the more simple timer only version of it in the Pico is better than not having it, but again, proper tip care is what's really important (these are just niceties that get added on).
More basic things that you'll appreciate on a professional unit, would be the quality of the iron, shorter tip-to-grip distances, and silicone wire for example (flexible and burn resistant over PVC). Available tip selection is also rather important (certainly want more available to you than the pathetic 3 offered for the WHS40).
FWIW, the RDS80 & Analog 60 versions are older models using an older iron heating technology. Could be worth getting if you find the right deal though (still fine stations from what I can tell; bit slower to heat, but may not translate into better real world performance). If you can get a good quality joint in say 1.5 - 2 seconds, and you don't have to wait on it to make the next one (recovery is quick enough), it's doing it's job.
The rest is just icing. Just be warned though, you may find that the icing is addictive. And like most addictions, it tends to be expensive.
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