Hey everyone, first post here! Thank you for all the valuable stuff this community provides
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I have an old (20+yo?) Weller WTCP 50 that I've used forever, 50W fixed-temperature using 370°C tips (lead-free soldering, mostly SMD work). The thing works flawlessly for everything I throw at it. It does take a while to reach operating temperature (> 1 minute), but once reached, it stays there. I enjoy working with it.
I recently started using an (old) Ersa Analog 60A that I got 2nd hand, 60W, variable temperature up to 450°C, came with an "Ergo tool" iron. The heating element is quite corroded. I cleaned it with steel wool but it's still black (especially the junction of the heating element with the tip). At first sight, the iron reaches operating temperature quickly in around 10 seconds. Solder flows fine on the tip. But when I try to use it, all I manage to do is ruin boards with crappy jobs. Biggest issue is that solder wick won't work well or will even stay soldered to the pads, etc. I tried tips of different sizes, all new.
It seems that the tip loses temperature too quickly even though the station seems to regulate fine (there's a red LED that lights up when heating). See the effect shown in e.g. [1] figure 1. Anyone having a similar experience? I'm trying to assess whether:
1. this model is too old and/or is simply of inferior quality to the Weller (but I doubt it)
2. the "Ergo tool" should be replaced by a better tool
3. corrosion is hurting performance badly and should be removed/the heating element should be changed
Any thought?
[1]
http://www.ersa.de/media/pdf/fachartikel/fachartikel_englisch/improving_hand_soldering_operational_costs_and_process_control_2.pdf