Hi!
An update on these, and these Weller DSX80s aren't improving any – they're getting worse!
I have had to ask my employer for two more replacement desoldering irons in as many weeks, the first because the top part of the metal glass tube housing broke at the spot welds where it's spot–welded to the remainder of the collection barrel metal framework, whilst the second iron had to be replaced because the whole metal barrel assembly sheared off from the threaded tube screwing it into the end of the heater element assembly!
In the second case, I examined the fractured barrel and there's no sign of any spot–weld between the collection barrel and the threaded solder collection tube – it was simply pushed over the solder tube, and the weight of solidified solder in the glass tube pulled the barrel off the remainder of the barrel's screwed fitting!
These irons are currently about £450 to buy new, and me thinks it's time Cooper Tools had a swift kick up the backside!!!!
Both of these appallingly made tools had "Designed and Made in Germany" silkscreened on the handle – silkscreened in China perhaps???!!!
Chris Williams