antex soldering station

[Flump]

has anyone got one of these
or know of any bad or good points ?

would like to know peoples opinions about it

http://www.antex.co.uk/soldering/soldering-stations/660-tc/

[simpson]

 I don't have this model but I do have an Antex soldering iron I bought way back in the 1980s which I still use so I can at least attest to their product's quality of manufacture.

[Monkeh]

You can buy a Hakko or even stretch to a low end Metcal for that money, why bother with Antex?

[jc101]

I have had the digital version for years, it all works just fine so there has been no problems with reliability etc.

http://www.antex.co.uk/soldering/soldering-stations/690-sd/

It's OK, but the tips don't seem to last that long with the upside is you can get them easily.

Actually I'm going to replace it soon, probably with a JBC, to get a bit more power and longer tip/cartridge life as the newer stations have 'idle' modes to save the tips and better temp control which is handy for working with SMD stuff.

[Flump]

You can buy a Hakko or even stretch to a low end Metcal for that money, why bother with Antex?

antex is common in the uk, tips you can buy anywhere and are cheap
and spares readily availible.
never seen hakko or metcal for sale in the uk

[nukie]

I don't have the adjustable model but I quite a few other models hoarded over the years. Generally the mains heater is bullet proof, the tips are well made, good plating, wets easily. Not so when it over heats itself, I use them when I need a second iron when desoldering thru hole two leaded parts ie, capacitors. If you are in the UK, then Antex is no brainer.

Tips: get some Ceramic based Anti Seize to go between the heater and the tips. This prevents binding and helps with removal. My Antex are all clamp style tips it was hard to remove until I applied anti seize. I use it on my car brakes caliper guide pins.

Don't use Copper anti seize they are no good for Stainless Steel, the Antex heater might be stainless steel. Nickel Anti Seize is okay but it is reported to be carcinogen. I think as long as you apply it thin and keep it away from the handle it should be alright. Hakko users can try Copper Anti seize, since the connection is between ceramic heater and copper tips. It might improve thermal coupling. Don't use grease, they don't last under high temperature.

http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-24125-Ceramic-Extreme-Lubricant/dp/B0018PSASU

When I was a kid I worked at a Sharp factory manufacturing cassette players. The Hakkos ran 8 hours a day, the barrel charred, burned marks all over the stand. The tips lasted very long. This
was before lead free. I believe lead-free temperatures kill tips. You don't need sleep function for a long lasting tip, keep the working temperature as low as possible that is enough.

[Monkeh]

You can buy a Hakko or even stretch to a low end Metcal for that money, why bother with Antex?

antex is common in the uk, tips you can buy anywhere and are cheap
and spares readily availible.
never seen hakko or metcal for sale in the uk

You should need neither tips nor spares on a regular basis.

http://www.dancap.co.uk/

[Flump]

You should need neither tips nor spares on a regular basis.

Agreed but it makes sense when purchasing something like this that you expect to keep
long term to get one that has spares readily available locally and Antex being a UK
company can get spares to me within a couple of days.


Thanks for the replies Guys
I think I will get the one in my original post.

[Flump]

Thanks for the tips nukie
will try and find a smaller post of that stuff.

[urbis]

Used these at college, a great iron but somewhat overpriced when compared with some of the Hakko and Metcal units.