My weller just died. It was given to me by my father and has been through all kinds of hell and still managed to work flawlessly. While taking it apart I just noticed the manufacturing date and it was made the same year I was born '78. This is truly a feeling of loss I don't wish on anyone!

I got my Weller soldering station when I was 14 years old and I still have it 46 years later. It has had thousands of hours of use and was regularly left running, often all day, for many years when I was younger. I still use it today and it has never been repaired. They are such reliable pieces of gear and I too will feel lost when it finally dies. I've well and truly had my money's worth out of mine.

@GeorgeChristofi

Жыл бұрын

It is still my main iron, even though I have one of those Hako clones as well. It just does everything whenever you want it to. It's powerful as well as delicate and just is possibly the best that there has ever been.

I have my Weller TCP now for at least 35 years - and back in the days, I got it from my father, who got it for free from his former employer, cause it was written off... I need to change some parts every 5 to 10 years, mainly the switch unit, if the contacts get burned out. I recently bought a modern Weller WXD-2 soldering / desoldering station, that works great (and i love the desoldering device and also the pretty small and leightweight 65W iron) - but on the other hand I do not expect this unit to outlive just close to those 40+ years, that my trusty, old TCP is doing it's jobby right now... In any case, I will keep my Magnastat!!!

My old soldering iron died yesterday, I got it in 1967 when I was in high school. Not a Weller, no name on it or it wore off, don't even remember where I bought it. I know the feeling, an old friend dies after almost 53 years together. RIP.

sorry to hear. mine just died too.

After all these years my trusty soldering iron died. I thought I had spare parts... nope... my spares were broken too. A bit of fun in this video with a dismantling of the unit with an explanation of how it works.

My father bought a Weller station 55 years ago when he was a student in West Germany, I still have it and it is srill working.

@GeorgeChristofi

2 жыл бұрын

They really are the best units ever.

Carl Weller’s three (3) patents covered Magnistat Switch (Curie Effect) … Weller TCP series started in 1965. I began repairing in 1975 !!! This was in Vacuum Tube area, and early transistor. Triacs and SCRs appeared in late 1960s. The TIPS have been cheap in North America, former $2 each, now about $4 each. The European versions are different mfg. from North America designs. EASY to Repair

@GeorgeChristofi

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting! I assumed that the tips were standard worldwide. The last time I bought tips they were around £8 each plus the tax @15% back then. I still have a reasonably large stock which should last me a long time. I got my first Weller TCP in the mid 80's and pretty much have used nothing else since. I started with a 25w Antex iron but not looked back really since changing.

😂 My sincere condolences ... I hate it when a gadget dies! I always learn something new with your videos.😆👍

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

I am always upset because I tend to buy top end tools and I know the replacement would cost me a small fortune! Much like you buy good materials and brushes, you feel sad when they wear out. Still, I have the new one already so I am back in business!

my Weller is so old it uses a screw in tip. bought it in 1968 to make my first Heathkit. Still works but the tip needs replacement, worn down to a stub. The chineseium station i bought quit after 4 months. Learned a lesson.

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

I have to say that I was never one to scrimp on tools because of the let down factor. My dad worked with his tools all day on cars and I learnt the value of good strong gear. In a pinch, I have bought cheap spanners and things that die after one job so long term, it isn't worth it. I would like to see this new iron outlast me but you can see the way they have cheapened manufacture. I just hope quality doesn't suffer because of it.

Great explanation of how the temp control works. I always assumed it was a bi-metal strip type affair, where the material in the back of the tip controlled how much heat was transferred to the sensor. I never observed the magnetic property. Much appreciate this video, and sorry for your loss 😢.

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kevin. They use the effect to set the different temperatures as indicated by the numbers in the ends of the tip. I prefer a number 7 for most work which is 385C but the number 8 is better if you have to do lead free work.

@w9gb

2 жыл бұрын

Madam Curie discovery (Curie Effect) Carl Weller started Weller Electric in Easton, PA Nearby was Bethlehem, PA - home to Bethlehem Steel - some of the world’s best metallurgists. Great place to determine Iron Alloy Mixture for each temperature point (500, 600, 700, 800° F) where the Curie effect would occur. BTW Metcal/OKI also uses a Magnetic Switch - nothing’s Weller patent, BUT they use Induction/RF heating.

Fascinating view of the internals of a well established brand. I may get one as a backup for my Weller WE1010 station. The fancy temp controlled station types are much nicer to use but they come at the price of comparatively short life, high performance comes at a price.

Wow! I have an old Weller gun iron myself that belonged to my Pappy before me. I believe he got it new in about 1980 or '81 and it's still working. Granted I'm sure it hasn't seen near as much use as yours. He used it quite frequently, but he passed on in 2009 and I only began using it in 2016 and infrequently at that. Now even less as I got a Hakko in late 2017. The only use the old weller gun sees anymore is for work out in the garage on automotive wiring, etc. It has the double ended tips that have to be bent before they're inserted into the gun. Hope your new iron is a good one and R.I.P. to your old one.

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

That iron was my daily driver for the first 10 years of its life and it was pretty much powered for 24/7. I'd use it all day and then in the evening be doing cb repairs and mods with it in my time off! The power supply actually dates to late 80's and it was a replacement for the 70's one which I still have, hence the spare iron.

My condolences George for your loss, I know how you feel, better days are coming.

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

Yes Bill. Better times have arrived. My wallet doesn't think so but it's replacement is already plugged into the old power supply and running fine.

Interesting. I didn't know anyone used the Curie point to switch soldering irons on and off. Ingenious!👍👍

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

Weller have used the system for years and still do even on the newest tcp irons. They flash it up with fancy terms like ferro fluid magnetics and other silly ad words but yes, basically Curie point switches.

Very enjoyable with all the monochrome and effects 👍

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

I don't understand how your comments are hiding Brett... weird...

Just came by to wish you a Happy Birthday George 🎉

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks Suzy.

Bummer my friend that it gave out on you. 25 years is a long time for any equipment it seems, especially for a tool you use so often. Fun hook at the onset, and great close on the video man.

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

I thought I would try something a bit different this time Mike. The replacement has arrived and you can see where they have made a cost saving instantly!! Thinner cable!

Last week I went to use my old 40 W Radio Shack one and after 30 years it had died. I tested the leads and sure enough open so the heater cartridge must have finally died and man did I ever love that one. I now have a 937D+ station but I miss that old soldering iron as it appears that I lack the temp control but it sure could solder even with the oxidized tip that I kept filing down, or sand papering that there is no way in Hades I would ever do that with a modern tip. This was back in the good old days of 100% copper tips that screwed in.

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

I certainly remember those irons. sometimes the older stuff was just built so much better than this new stuff.

@thebeststooge

4 жыл бұрын

When I feel up to it I am going to drill out the rivet and see what is inside and who knows I might can get something to fix the cartridge. What I suspect is that after so long and so much humidity that a connection point, or a wire, just rusted through as it worked then a week later I went to use it and dead.

thank you for explaining - great solder

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks for watching.

Sorry to hear this my friend

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

Like all tools, they get old and wear out eventually. Still, the new one is running fine and really well.

Hi Greg, Great Video. I have a Weller W60D that regrettably just gave up recently after something like 35 years of service with the same issue: the heating element. I'm now off to find a replacement. Best JA

@GeorgeChristofi

3 жыл бұрын

Rapid electronics are a UK weller agent. Prices of new weller stuff is somewhere in the second mortgage region these days though.

@dr_jaymz

Жыл бұрын

Noooo. My 60d is intermittently not warming up. Must have used it weekly for 30 years from huge solder blobs down to 0402 smd all with the same tip. I'm here just to see how they hang together and I will repair it. The mains cable has been dangerous for years I was thinking of using a silicone cable whilst I was at it. I think its thermally ballanced whatever that means.

Thank You, my TCP died after I put a new tip in it. Well well. No magnet in the new tip. Put the old tip back in all good...... saved me from a family burial in the back yard. D

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

It is a problem with some fake tips I have seen on eBay. I have a stock of tips which is why I had to replace the handle assembly. I could have just changed an element but I thought I would treat myself.

😂🤦🏾‍♀️ George I feel bad laughing 😂 you are too funny. Hope the new one is working well

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

the new one is great... it needed a bit of love from the old one. The old one donated its comfort rubber ring to the new one to make it feel at home.

Congratulations your explanation

I have a weller (low voltage 24v) that has died 1 month ago. I baught it in 1989. From RS componants- a huge elec company in the uk. The question is do I get a heating element which are not cheep or treat myself??????

@GeorgeChristofi

3 жыл бұрын

I did the 'buy a whole handle with element from Rapid Electronics' thing. Both RS and Farnell were more expensive. The new handles are made in China rather than Germany and the cable is thinner. It is the same size as the old handle and I transferred my old comfort pad over. It is up to you really, do you go for a new handle complete and ready to do or do you buy a modern element and adaptor (new ones are different size to the 80's units) and solder it into your old handle... its hard to do if you have no spare soldering iron. I also have half a dozen other soldering irons but the weller is still my favourite

I have a seller 35 watt ,it was bought in the 70 or the 80 ,a I had it over forty years but it doesn't get the use your probably does,I put a new tip on it and put it away ,I now,use a 898d rework station ,but I do have several other soldering pens .weller do last and last it's not unheard of people who have wellers 40 plus years ,but I needed a adjustable one.,good luck on your new one.weller makes good stuff not cheap but reliable

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

this particular weller is adjustable Ron... you change the tip to change the temperature! The Curie effect on heat and magnetism switches the heating element off when the tip is at temperature.

Electronics lover person like you i have ever seen.You are so so good man yeah❤

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks for the kind comment!

@electronicshacks8288

4 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeChristofi this matter indicates that you care everything on your surroundings such as your parents, wife, childs, people etc. to make a man happy is not so costly thing.just take care them by asking their sorrows and then console them.I have found these sign in you.God may bless you.

Oh, stop it, you will have me feeling sorry for you next! 🤣

I got 2 reconditioned WP35s on ebay for $ 22 each, it cost me $ 44 for both, not even what a new one costs and with free shipping.

Keep a spare from now on.👍👍

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

I have since found my old antex as well as a couple of butane torches as well as a usb powered one!...

What did you order , was it the whole soldering iron or just the tip.

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

I ordered the complete handle and element assembly. The tips I use vary but I do use only the tcp number 7 temp tips.

Yes isn't that always the way indeed it dies just before you really need it for a job. I currently have about 8 different soldering irons even a couple butane and one even battery-powered then my two Main soldering stations and two soldering guns one a Weller and the other an off-brand. So I always have something to fall back on. Great intro into your video really first-rate.

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

I had to do something different for the intro and outro!. I do have a couple of butane irons, a couple of cheap chinese ones and an Antex which I dug out of another toolbox but its like losing some part of you when you have used it so long. I almost think my hand is Weller shaped and anything else feels odd. At a pinch though, I'll use whatever is available.

Condolences.... my Weller EC2100D variable temp soldering station unit (>30yrs?) is failing and unreliable temp setting. Must fix but cant remove case.... then will need a soldering iron...

I have one WTCP 51 and it's not heating anymore and I want fix it but how 😞

@GeorgeChristofi

2 жыл бұрын

The heating element has failed. You can order them from any Weller dealer but they are not cheap. You can buy a replacement soldering station from China for half the cost of the elements. And you need a soldering iron to fit the replacement as well.

My condolence to you Sir.

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

Many Thanks!

lol its gonna be okay mate looking at the date now hopefully you have gottten your new one I was actually looking for a video to repair mine..take care

@GeorgeChristofi

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, the new one is in place and working well. Repair of the tcp is a fairly straight forward thing but these days I am certain that the changes that weller have introduced are not all for the best! 5 extra watts on the element and the new handles are made in china!

Sir,what unimer model you are using, standing on your desk? Thanks a lot

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

If you mean the multimeters, they are older Fluke models, both 77 but one is a MK1 and one is MK2.

@bakonjafrabrne11

4 жыл бұрын

George Christofi -Sir,thank you for your kind and sincere reply, and for your time...yes I meant DMM...it's a great device..Since I see that you are a master of matter, if I have any questions, I will answer ...Thanks again

George 🎊 🎊 🎉where do I order the switch and element for my tcp202? I love my weller TCP202!! What’s the part numbers and where do I order for these parts??? Please!!!!!😢

Thanks for the very informative and creative video. I am a newbie to soldering. Sorry if I'm not asking the proper question. My Weller ec1001 is not heating very high. I put a thermometer to measure the tip temperature, but does not go higher than 260f degrees. I am curious to find the low heating problem of my soldering iron? I welcome any input!

@GeorgeChristofi

2 жыл бұрын

if its not heating well then it is either the heating element in the iron or the control circuit in the transformer block. If I remember correctly, that unit has four wires in the lead. You can check that there is resistance on 2 pairs, one is the element, one is the thermistor and if that seems ok, look for a broken or bad joint in the control box socket. It also could be a thermistor fault. One way of testing is to plug an identical iron into the control box or plug your iron into another control box. if the fault moves with the iron then that is faulty, if the fault stays with the box then that is where the problem is.

@georgesanchez9971

2 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeChristofi Thanks for getting back to me. I will follow your advice. I am hoping is the heating element because if a simple fix to me. Will keep you posted! Thanks again.

Well George, I guess it doesn't owe you any money after 25 years. If you scrounge around a bit I'll just bet that you can find a NOS element for that iron. Weller was always the industry standard here in the US for many years before SMD came into vogue. As you see, even the hand held irons were quality built. I don't know about the quality today as I haven't bought one in about the same amount of time. I use an old EC=2000 station that has served me well for many years. Hope I haven't jinxed myself. ATB Doug.

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

Well Doug, no need for NOS because they still make them. The only difference is a slight increase in barrel size and a 5w increase from 45w to 50w. Because of the variants though, rather than trying to find an original part numbered one, I opted to go with the latest version so that spares should be available for the next 25 years. I have a pile of brand new tips here already so swapping to Hakko was out of the question.

WP35 , I was just setting up , outside for a final on my project, plug in , nothing.... I have about 3 years on this iron. Should I get the same one?

@GeorgeChristofi

3 жыл бұрын

I would say if your pockets are deep, buy a weller. If you just want a good but cheap iron, get one of the Chinese t12 units.

@bikersoncall

3 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeChristofi I sure as heck was not looking for cheaper, , I was looking for something that wouldn't break, and would be quality, that's why I bought Weller in the first place and not some Chicom knock off. So -- lol, I bought the same model again, cause no one recommended anything better. I was under the impression that a Weller under casual use would last 50 years, mine only lasted about 3 or 4 years, and I treated it with great respect and care.

@GeorgeChristofi

3 жыл бұрын

The problem with the new stuff is that it is now Chinese made instead of the 80's units made in Germany. Not all Chinese stuff is bad but it takes a lot to get quality stuff

@bikersoncall

3 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeChristofi So true, I guess, in this case the quality is not so par. But you might notice as I have, so many things are made now to be replaced earlier than expected, everything is becoming biodegradable, like my storage containers , they disintegrate, if I had anything important in them, the rats will get at it before I need it. lol This enhances inflation indirectly because we have to replace so many things, often, where that was not the case in the past.

Great Video George I Use a Cheap Station With a Spare Element And Tips But Back In The Day When I Worked In S.T.C. Al We Used Were Weller Soldering Irons Should Have Got a Couple Back Then But Because I'am a Cheep Skate I Bought a 25W Antex Instead he,he Great Start To Your Video Very Funny..Regards mike

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

Nothing wrong with antex irons. A good brand. I still have one that is around 40 years old. I'll have to find it but it hasn't been switched on in years so it should still be a worker. I do have new tips for it as well!

The Weller is dead.......Long live the new Weller!

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

Indeed! It has arrived and instantly noticeable is the thinner cable! Weller will say it is easier to manage but the reality is that it is cheaper than the older thick cable!

I have had my Weller Soldering Iron since 1980, it's power from 24V AC transformer with no 7 tip , I think the elements is dead , can get a replacement in UK?

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

Yes you can. The cheapest place for genuine spares is Rapid Electronics.

@ramraja7796

4 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeChristofi Thank you George for your help.

Helva long winded but got to the point eventually. Now I know why my Chinese tips dont work. Thanks.

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

Had to give the old girl a decent send off.

Sad, Sad? I just paid Tony to rebuild my car Alt., 75$ -put it in car-bingo No go! Some short or broken wire......I give up, I need an electronic trouble shooting expert for car wiring, but the one guy I knew, who had skills for that, went off grid, lost his drivers license, so basically, I am at a loss, Unfortunately, I don't know how to find the bad spot. I am sick of cars. Sorry for your loss, my other buddy the Tech, has an iron solder thing just about like yours, but he hates trouble shooting car wiring, too time consuming and he isn't wanting to spend hours on a 20 year old dirty rusty car. I don't blame him. I guess I can get by walking or hiring for rides. I sure hope your new "Weller" lasts longer, thank you.

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

I hope it lasts as long as the original. The replacement arrived this morning so I'm back up and running. Car wiring can be real fun. I prefer the older non computer controlled cars because as long as you had gas and a spark it would pretty much run. Anything else was a bonus.

@GREENDIAMONDNEWS2012

5 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeChristofi -watts funny is I started removing tape and checking the wiring coming out of it, bending a bit and so on, today I go to connect battery, the second I made contact with Positive battery connection, loud click a couple buzzing quick noise, I think I found a broken wire, more tape removal is required and a visual exam. I really don't know much, my genius buddy is like you, but he hates auto wiring, and thats ok.. I think if I would have continued hookin up the battery, my car was going to burn, damn it damn it. thanks, Mr. Christofi

I had to give up on my very old Weller, they stopped making the tips and contracted them out. After eventually tracking them down to a company in the U.S. that could be bothered to reply I thought that £31 postage was just a tad high for 6 tips and the price was about £30 as well. The display was also going dicky as a few segments were out so I bought a new iron - not a Weller. All good things come to an end. Are you going to have yours stuffed, mounted or just holding hands?

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

It has been stripped and returned to the parts bin. I have kept the cable assembly and the handle as well as the comfort grip which they also charge extra for.

@jp-um2fr

5 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeChristofi Hello George. Big Clive did a review on the cheapest soldering iron from China. I got 3 for around £1 each. I wanted the heating element and I guessed that it might be a standard one fitted to better irons, it was. I thought 'why not' so I put a 3 core silicone lead on for an earth and managed to mod it to stop it falling apart but the trouble is that was around a year ago and the thing won't die. I found some tips that fit and the new 'posh' thing I bought is rarely used. Odd how one can become attached to what really is rather 'tacky'.

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

I know what you mean. I do have those cheap Chinese irons somewhere but I pretty much grew up using a weller tcp once I started work and other things just feel strange. I did toy with the idea of getting a ts-100 iron as well as going to a slim pencil style one but it just wouldn't be the same to me. As you say, you get attached to your tools.

hello I still own a JBC soldering iron aged 40 years. but I gave him his retirement because he deserved it.😀😀✌️🇫🇷

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

Sometimes you have to let things go. I know I have an antex 25w iron somewhere but can't remember where. It is old but was never used commercially so hasn't seen the use the weller had. I also have a couple of new tips for that too!

My weller 101 failed after few days of work only ... - and thats my second one already . Overpriced and unreliable- if anyone can recommend an alternative to Weller i will be more than happy to give it a go

there are support groups ya no!

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

I'm going to need them... or my wallet is.... the replacement was not cheap...

Ciao Giorge, se ne andato il saldatore? Meglio il saldatore che tu o una persona cara! Su con la vita e vediamo invece come sostrituirlo con uno stilo nuvo! La prima soluzione è cpmprarne uno nuovo identico! O sostituirlo con uno cinese che lo sporco lavoro di saldatura lo fa lo stesso a una frazione del prezzo del nobile Weller!( traduct): Hi George, is the welder gone? Better the welder than you or a loved one! Cheers to life and let's see how to replace it with a new stylus instead! The first solution is to buy a new identical one! Or replace it with a Chinese one that does the dirty welding job all the same at a fraction of the price of the noble Weller!

Thats Sad I have this iron too mines about the same age as well mine came from work and was used day in day out 8 till 5 5 days a week I do Have a spare but its the same age and has probably had the same life

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

It was sad but I couldn't just change brand with all the tips I have in stock. The replacement wasn't cheap either. I could have gone for a new element but by the time I found a real one, paid the shipping and fitted it into the old handle it was easier to buy the new one.

@thehappylittlefoxakabenji8154

4 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeChristofi yes that seems to be the way these days its also getting harder to find genuine parts

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

@@thehappylittlefoxakabenji8154 Rapid Electronics were cheaper than Farnell but all in it was still a kick in the wallet. Some stuff I don't mind fakes, clones or copies, other stuff I do. Seeing as the iron is pretty much an extension of my right hand I like getting something official and warrantied.

@thehappylittlefoxakabenji8154

4 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeChristofi yes I'm the same I have used rapid and Farnell both when working and as an amateur I like to buy genuine items I just wish the Chinese didnt copy stuff and pass it off as original as I say Cheap is good but useless is useless at any price !

Whenever I take something apart, I always end up with left over screws!

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

I also find that problem sometimes.... cars are the worst!

Repair in peace.

No number on the soldering tip.

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

There should be on all of the tcp tips as it shows the temp rating on the magnetic end.

Sad day, been there:-(

@GeorgeChristofi

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, very sad. But I have lived through it!

RIP

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

Indeed.. a sad day.

no the tip is not magnet is just iron and with defrend thiknes the thiker one it works hoter and the thiner one is sets a lower tempre and thats is why they had a number at the botom of the tip the rest of the tip is coper and the end of the tip is cadmium plated..at the other hand the magnet swich have a NATURAL magnet that loses the magnetism at tha hi temperatur and stops the power at the heating element... when it cool dowh the magnet is working like a magnet and energize ths swich to give power to the heating element ...the magnet i a NATURAL magnet and is not neodmiun one the neodmiun one loses the mgnetism for ever if it heats up

I just bought one like it and it died a few hours after I started using it. 🤬

@GeorgeChristofi

4 жыл бұрын

You bought a weller or was it one like it? Weller have great reliability unlike a lot of chinese imports.

Fix it.

made in china weller fake

@GeorgeChristofi

3 жыл бұрын

It is the case that there are faked ones but mine came from the authorised dealers. I am quite a fan of buying crap from China to show on the channel and I do know how good the fakes can be.