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Reply 0
Greg Williams GregW66

Weller WTCPT soldering station

I'd just like to add my 2 cents on a Weller WTCPT soldering station. One of my previous careers was as an electronics technician (1990 to 97), on my workbench where I worked was a well used Weller WTCPT soldering station. I have no idea how old it was when I went to work there, but it remained on for the 7 years I worked there, only being shut off when I changed the tip, which wasn't very often. That's right, in those days of cheap electricity we never bothered to shut our soldering stations off. I also received my personal WTCPT station as a graduation gift from my father. That was in 1990 as well. Though I haven't used it as much as the one where I worked, the unit is like brand new and I still use it when needed. You simply cannot go wrong buying one of these, you get a constant temp, the option of a variety of tips and it will last you a lifetime. You'll probably leave it to someone in your will. As I venture back into model railroading in the age of DCC I look forward to using my soldering station installing lots of decoders in my aging diesel fleet.

Greg Williams
Superintendent - Eastern Canada Division - NMRA
Reply 0
bear creek

Antique soldering stations

I bought a Weller controlled output soldering station (prior generation to the WTCPT style) in 1977. It's not as fancy - the soldering pencil isn't unplugable and it doesn't have the separate box for the electronics. But I used it over the last week to build 6 or 7 turnouts. After 35 years it still works great. These things just don't quit.

Controlled temperature (aka controlled heat or controlled output) is the way to go. The iron's tip always stays at the same temperature so you don't need to worry about the tip corroding away because the temperature gets too high (like on a non-controlled temperature unit).I don't use it continuously anymore but I'm only on my second set of tips after 35 years -- I'm on my 4th set of sponges though... It reaches operating temperature in about a minute after turn-on (because it dumps full power into the heater until it warms up) and for kids who are too lazy to change tips a chunky tip can be used (though not really recommended) for electronics. I have filled code 83 frogs with solder using the same tip I soldered feeder wires to a surface mount photo transistor (I should probably have swapped in my fine point tip for the electronics work...).

Yes, controlled output will cost you more than a non-controlled output iron, but you'll never need to worry about pumping ridiculously high amounts of heat into a delicate place.

Oh, did I mention it's still working after 35 years?

Charlie

 

Superintendent of nearly everything  ayco_hdr.jpg 

Reply 0
Bruce Petrarca

Weller Soldering Stations

I didn't want to mention it in the article, as I was trying to focus on what folks can do today.

However, prior to the WTCPT, I used a station like Charlie's. I was working for a tape drive manufacturer in the mid 1970s. We had a bunch of W-TCP-L stations that had died on the assembly line. I was told to put them in the trash. I asked if I could take some home. "Sure." So, I took a couple home - kept the rest under my desk, "just in case." It took about 1/2 hour to make a functioning unit out of the parts I brought home. Over the years, I've replaced heater elements, and, of course tips. About 4 years ago, I came to the conclusion that my livelihood was based on this now 30+ year old iron. I bought a new WTCPT. Relegated the W-TCP-L to my traveling tool box (mostly residing at the club). About two months ago, the thermostatic switch quit. A new switch or a new pencil was EXPENSIVE, so I bought a used WTCPT off eBay. It came without the rack. I'm seriously thinking of cutting the connector off the new pencil and hooking it up to the W-TCP-L base with its included iron holder!

Remember, this W-TCP-L base was considered scrap 35 years ago!

Long live Weller, or Cooper, or whatever they choose to call themselves.

I stocked an adjustable station at Litchfield Station, and we used one daily for about three years before I sold the store. Why? I could sell it for $25 and make a profit. I wanted to know that I was selling a good product. I think the original (with a new tip or two) is still running - 8 + hours a day - 5 or 6 days a week! Not bad. FWIW, they still stock it!

Bruce Petrarca, Mr. DCC; MMR #574

Reply 0
Kevin Rowbotham

Weller

Weller is great quality stuff.  Just last year I finally had to retire a Weller 2 stage gun that belonged to my father.  This gun was abused, (don't ask how I know) dropped and broken, repaired, dropped again and still kept on heating for going on 40+ years.

Bruce the inexpensive station you mention looks a lot like a knock-off of my Weller WLC-100 station except that it is only 40W, not 50W like the Litchfield model.  That's a good price for a basic adjustable station.

Looking forward to next months column!

 

~Kevin

Appreciating Modeling In All Scales but majoring in HO!

Not everybody likes me, luckily not everybody matters.

Reply 0
jcrellin

Cordless Soldering irons

For what is needed for DCC installs and wiring, what is the opinion of cordless irons?  consider that I do 1 - 2 installs a months,  not 8 hours a day. 

thanks.

John C

Pittsburgh, PA

Reply 0
uttrainman

DCC Impulses

Great article.  Can't wait for the next one.

Reply 0
Geared

Cordless Iron

I purchased a cordless soldering iron from MicroMark a year or two ago and love it. I've also purchased all of the tips. It is very handy for soldering rail on the layout where you don't want a cord getting in the way or knocking things about(if the cord will reach without an extension.) It is very handy when doing decoder work on engines, etc. Heats up quickly and is lightweight. Very handy for awkward situations. If you use it continuously for awhile (can't remember how long) without placing it back in the charger it will die, but recharging is pretty quick. I just make a habit of placing it back in the charger after every use. Solves two problems, it recharges the battery and I don't end up burning myself or something else.

Roy

 

Roy

Geared is the way to tight radii and steep grades. Ghost River Rwy. "The Wet Coast Loggers"

 

Reply 0
Dr Dirt

Liquid Electrical tape

Hi all,

        Bruce every tried it? I ran out of heat shrink tubing and used it.Even comes in different colors.

 

Dr D

Reply 0
jbaakko

I wanted to comment on the

I wanted to comment on the availability of MEK in California.  Seems some logic (not sure who's), have removed straight MEK from the shelves.  There was great discussion of this on the Diesels email list. I've checked with local hardware stores to no avail.  Lucky for me I have a few cans left.

The thinner found in SOCAL, that says MEK replacement, does NOT work for attaching plastic to plastic.

Josh

Reply 0
Bruce Petrarca

RE: Liquid Electrical tape

I don't like it - too messy for my tastes.

However, I was at a scenery clinic that Fran and Miles Hale gave. Fran commented that there were tools that Miles used that she couldn't get good results with and vice versa.

My grandmother said, "It is a good thing that different folks like different things. Otherwise every woman would be in love with my husband."

Bruce Petrarca, Mr. DCC; MMR #574

Reply 0
Bruce Petrarca

MEK

Josh -

The "thinking" behind that is part of the reason we left California 20 years ago!

We are seeing some of that here in AZ. Ace hardware has their house brand in real MEK for sale here.

Get it while you can!

Bruce Petrarca, Mr. DCC; MMR #574

Reply 0
Bruce Petrarca

RE: Cordless Iron

I have NOT had good experiences with cordless irons, even the expensive ones: short battery life between charges, short battery life before replacement, cold tips making for cold joints, slow heating. I get out the extension cord and use my Weller!

As I said about liquid insulation, your results may vary.

REMEMBER to turn off the power to the DCC set. Many irons have grounded tips and many DCC boosters don't like to be grounded when active.

Bruce Petrarca, Mr. DCC; MMR #574

Reply 0
Dr Dirt

HI Bruce,all,              

HI Bruce,all,

Not if you use a toothpick for application,...

Dr D

Reply 0
Kevin Rowbotham

Liquid Tape

Quote:

I don't like it - too messy for my tastes.

I have always thought the same thing, but I suppose with careful application it would be useable.

My problem with the liquid tape is more about the price.  Micro-Mark sells it for $10.45, per 4 ounces, before shipping.  Ten dollars can buy a lot of heat shrink.  The other thing that I like about heat shrink is the different colors that it comes in.

If I want to open up an insulated joint for any reason, heat shrink can be quickly and neatly removed, leaving nothing behind.  Would liquid tape be as easy I wonder?

Quote:

I have NOT had good experiences with cordless irons, even the expensive ones: short battery life between charges, short battery life before replacement, cold tips making for cold joints, slow heating. I get out the extension cord and use my Weller!

If you absolutely have to go cordless, try a butane fueled soldering iron.  They are still not as good as an AC powered iron in my experience, but better than rechargeable in my opinion.

Like Bruce, I prefer to use my Weller on a longer cord if at all possible.

~Kevin

Appreciating Modeling In All Scales but majoring in HO!

Not everybody likes me, luckily not everybody matters.

Reply 0
Bruce Petrarca

Kevin!

I knew I liked you! You agree with me.

Seriously, there are times for everything. However, I agree with your removal issue on liquid electrical tape.

I've seen folks insulate track feeder to bus connections with liquid electrical tape. Why? The bus is held solidly in place. The connections are separated by many inches - no chance of a short. Rework is a PAIN!

Bruce Petrarca, Mr. DCC; MMR #574

Reply 0
Kevin Rowbotham

Bruce!

Quote:

I knew I liked you! You agree with me.

It's hard to go wrong following your advice, Bruce.

I agree!  I'm not saying the liquid tape is not useful, I just don't see it being a "one size fits all" sort of product.

I could see myself maybe using liquid tape to insulate the buss feeder connections (as you mention) if I had it on hand already.  It's one of those items I have looked at many times but have always decided I didn't need.  If I saw it on 50% off somewhere while out shopping, I might impulse buy it.

Looking forward to next months column!

~Kevin

Appreciating Modeling In All Scales but majoring in HO!

Not everybody likes me, luckily not everybody matters.

Reply 0
Ash Williams

This clmn just gets better

My most favourite column, I enjoy installations BUT Im still learning thanks to this Man and his column !!

Reply 0
dcforbes

Athearn blue box

Hey Bruce!  Just soldered in my second decoder last night.  Your article gave me the motivation to do it.  My first install was a Proto 2000 GP9, last nights was an Athearn Blue Box SD40-2.  I have only soldered up the track power and motor leads.  I can't wait for a "how to" on how to get lights to work and then about sound.  Keep up the great inspiration!!!

Reply 0
monkeymeat

January DCC Column

Whew, just in time.  Thanks for a very pertinent DCC column in the January issue.   I have drawers full of quirky old shortline and logging brass and at least 3 or 4 of the old workhorses will have to be converted for the layout I'm currently planning.  I have never done a layout in DCC before, and although I'm aware this info is probably available elsewhere it was very timely and I'm sure it'll come in handy.

Thanks, MRH.  You guys rock.

Jon Reynolds

CEO, Sierra Consolidated Lines

Freelancing the northern Sierras in HO/HOn3

Reply 0
Bruce Petrarca

Athearn blue box

You are gonna love the February column!

Bruce Petrarca, Mr. DCC; MMR #574

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