I could get 1 free and it doesn't work with the only 2 tips it has. They are probably brunt up.
But how common/likely is it that the winding burn out on these ?
I have three or four old (like 40 years or more) large wattage soldering irons and never have had the heating element burn up. The usual failure is the conductors in the power cord break and separate beneath the insulation near the handle from too much bending. The other somewhat common failure is the connection from the power cord to the element nichrome wire which often can be repaired with a tiny screw, nut, washer combination. The tips are solid copper and often can be filed to the desired profile and simply tinned with solder (the old school way).
Is it a magnastat iron?
Then the switch could be stuck in the open position.
IDk or what model it is, I'll get it soon, and if the tip is gone I'll use some real heavy bare copper wire
I'd give the Weller some love and repair it with real parts. Because I hate Mickey Mousing tools and they don't work so good. Just my opinion.
These larger soldering irons are popular for making stained-glass windows. If you have local shops, they will have the large tips and elements etc. for possible parts.
rectifier I would think. Are you drawing current?
If its the 8200 model they sometimes don't heat well until the tip holding nuts are loosened and tightened again improving conductivity to the formed wire tip.
I could get 1 free and it doesn't work with the only 2 tips it has. They are probably brunt up.
But how common/likely is it that the winding burn out on these ?
not much can go bad, as long as the primary winding is ok, then its likely easy to fix.
quick ohm check across the primary winding can determine that.
heck get it and take it apart. worst case you throw it out
repair video: