Guess what I'm thinking of starting next ...

[Bluefish]

Keep this thread away from chris, he's already looking at power tools

[alvoram]

At Pektron, controlled irons were used for jobs that required fine tuning on the heat, such as soldering delicate, untinned, wires onto a board. They were also used to make repairs to dodgy joints easier, as you will know, if too much heat is applied during a resolder it can completely lift the pad/land, and screw the whole board up, so a temp controlled unit is good for repairs too. (or an operator with more than 2 braincells, but this is manufacturing remember, lol)

Apart from that, I'm with you, generally, they were all really basic wella irons.

[meeee]

Yep I would have thought the standard in most electronic manufacturing facilities would have been the 24V 45watt Weller soldering iron, I have one and use it on occasion. A darn good soldering iron for the money.

[Brambles]

Problem with the Weller is the stupid prices for both new ones and especially spares. For the cost of a heating element you can buy a cheap temperature controlled iron....but agree they are good. All the second hand ones on Ebay go for good money.

[baconandeggs]

Don't waste your money (professional experience) just get yourself a 2 penneth iron and jobs a good en. If you find the tip to large file it down to suit and tin it first.

All the best in your venture and looking forward to buying your mods