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Weller heating element problem

A

Art Vanderlay

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place that
deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a new one.
I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and that
the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a warranty
claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can I
be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.
 
T

Trevor Wilson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Art said:
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so
after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place
that deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a
new one. I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and
that the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a
warranty claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or
can I be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will
probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

**I dumped my Weller more than 20 years ago, when I was quoted a ridiculous
figure for a heater. In the time I owned it, I had replacded the transformer
twice, the heater twice and innumerable bits. I was able to replace the
whole iron with a cheap Japanese iron, that held much closer temperature and
offered cheaper bits. I still use it. I have since graduated to an Ersa and
have never looked back. The Ersa is very reliable, has enormous heat
capacity (80 Watts), is comfortable to use and replacement parts (I've only
needed bits) are reasonably priced. Cooper Tools can get fucked, for
churning over-priced junk for too long.

Do yourself a favour and buy anything else. Those cheap Chinese irons from
DSE for $40.00 are plenty good enough to compete with the Weller. Then, when
you are serious, you could look at Hakko, Ersa, or another of the premium
products that easily beat the Weller for price and performance.
 
T

Tom

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi all,

My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w) so after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.

This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place that deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a new one. I have done this previously in the past with no problems.

I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and that the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a warranty claim- the iron is about 20 years old.

Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or can I be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without hassle.

I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and will probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.

Thanks.

Buy a new Hakko, I want to buy one but my 10 years old (previous model) Hakko doesn't want to break down...
Tom
 
G

Gagi-9a6aag

Jan 1, 1970
0
Trevor Wilson said:
**I dumped my Weller more than 20 years ago...

this is the first bad review about Weller i have heard so far..

personally...i got a Weller Magnastat station 18 years ago....and its a
model since late 70's...actually, the one i got was a gift was from some old
electronic servicer that was retired...i have replaced 3 or 4 bits so far at
price of aprox 5 US$ each...and all working perfect...

i LOVE my Weller, so i bought newer one Magnastat also....10 years ago...and
its perfect....if you know how to handle the bits then it can last for a
long time...i changed only 1 bit so far on newer one...

i still have loads of iron solders of all kinds....but Weller one is turned
on for almost 24/7 and i never had any bad experience nor i had any info
about somone with bad impressions aobut it...

@art; here in Croatia, you can buy any part of Weller spare part at our
local Weller certified distributor with no dramas at all...i am very
surprised you got such a issues with it over there in Australia..i think
they are trying to rip you off for service fee....

just for example Elmatis, one of where i always go ;
http://www.elmatis.hr/SearchResults.aspx?searchText=weller

5KN = 1US$
 
A

Art Vanderlay

Jan 1, 1970
0
Tom said:
Buy a new Hakko, I want to buy one but my 10 years old (previous model)
Hakko doesn't want to break down...
Tom
Buying a new iron is certainly looking like an option. It's unfortunate
though as I've had this one for a long time and really like it as an
iron. Tips etc have never been a problem. Sounds like Hakko is a brand
of choice as an alternative as several repliers suggest this brand.

I'll have a look into these. Thanks to everyone for their input.
 
G

Gagi-9a6aag

Jan 1, 1970
0
Dennis said:
One of my two Weller magnastats failed - heating element died. I had
trouble getting an element at a reasonable price so I bought a Hakko 936
for ~$120 and now use that in preference to my other Weller. Easier to
change the temp too!

Weller Magnastat heater is aprox 40 US$ (and thats considered as expensive)
....you got it even on this web site i gave...
 
T

Tom

Jan 1, 1970
0
Buying a new iron is certainly looking like an option. It's unfortunate
though as I've had this one for a long time and really like it as an
iron. Tips etc have never been a problem. Sounds like Hakko is a brand
of choice as an alternative as several repliers suggest this brand.

I'll have a look into these. Thanks to everyone for their input.

We use Hakko at my work, they last a long time. We have some very old
models going strong after years and parts seems not a problem. My own at
home is 7-8 years old and had not one problem yet but it only get hobby use.

Funny enough my company is part of Cooper but to get Weller tools from
sister company we would have to go through lot of paperwork and wait few
months, we order Hakko tools or parts and they arrive next day.

Tom
 
T

Trevor Wilson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Tom said:
We use Hakko at my work, they last a long time. We have some very old
models going strong after years and parts seems not a problem. My own
at home is 7-8 years old and had not one problem yet but it only get
hobby use.
Funny enough my company is part of Cooper but to get Weller tools from
sister company we would have to go through lot of paperwork and wait
few months, we order Hakko tools or parts and they arrive next day.

**Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. The best side cutters I have ever
owned (and I've owned most of the premium brands) was made in the US by the
(wait for it) Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company. Seriously tough cutting
edge that lasts for years. Well made and modestly priced (about 50% cheaper
than the Swedish stuff). When it came time to replace my cutters a few years
back, I looked everywhere and couldn't locate a replacement. I finally
tracked them down. Cooper Tools had bought out the company and shut them
down. Cooper kindly offered to sell me their replacement, which I tried and
rejected. More Cooper Tools crap.

I now avoid ALL Cooper Tools products where possible. Bastards.
 
G

Gagi-9a6aag

Jan 1, 1970
0
kreed said:
Gagi, Only reason, off the top of my head that I can think of that you
aren't having many problems there is that if the mains there is 220v
(like I found it was in Russia), then the element is having a much
easier life, and lasting longer due to the 5% reduced voltage.
Australia is 240v and often exceeds this, and most international
products would be made for European 220v.
Most people consider this to be "close enough" but that is NOT always
the case in real life with some electrical items.


true..we used to have 220V in main network....but gues what....10 years ago
they did raise the Voltage up to 230V....main reason for that was coz at
some far sided places at the end of sub-trafo station the Volatage would
drop even below 200V sometimes...so, by raising Voltage to 230 - 235V it
never happens again that the drop is below 215V even at the end of power
line far away from sub-trafo station...


i am in the city center and not so far away from central power
ditributor....so, during the day time, power Voltage is in range 228-232V
.....while at late night...aprox 3AM Voltage is up to 235V...however, all the
equipment is still working great....while some people (especially those who
are right next to power distributor station) are complaining as Voltage over
there is much higher, 240-245....sometimes some peaks even up to 250Volts so
they have a problem with burning lightbulbs a lot...
 
G

Gagi-9a6aag

Jan 1, 1970
0
kreed said:
Our nazi government banned light bulbs - so except for those that are
left, this won't be a problem in the future.


since when??
it must be some recent decission?!?
 
G

Gagi-9a6aag

Jan 1, 1970
0
since when??
it must be some recent decission?!?



Over a year ago the ban came into force in Australia, and was talked
about for some years before that. Only special types of incandescent
are allowed to be imported or sold

Do you have all that fraudulent rubbish over there about "carbon
dioxide gas destroying the world and making it warm up/cool down ?

yes, true...we also have such propaganda about CO2 emission....co, the
wolfram light bulbs ban will reduce emission of CO2 coz of less energy that
will be wasted...blah, blah...but honestly...i highly doubt this will be
banned in entire Europe for the next 10 years...especially not in Croatia...


anyway...that CO2 problem related to light bulbs is complete deception
thing...normal light bulbs production line can be established in almost
every country...and production material is available all around the world
easily.....unlike energy saving fluo lights that are usually produced at far
east countries and industrial production line for them is much more complex
and requires sophisticated aproach in general...so, all those elements used
for energy save bulbs and its electronics plus transportation from "China"
to all the round the world is using 10 times more energy to be delivered to
end users hands then he normal one light bulb...


and this is how Weller goes to OT :)))
 
T

Trevor Wilson

Jan 1, 1970
0
kreed said:
Over a year ago the ban came into force in Australia, and was talked
about for some years before that. Only special types of incandescent
are allowed to be imported or sold

Do you have all that fraudulent rubbish over there about "carbon
dioxide gas destroying the world and making it warm up/cool down ?

**Huh? So, you are suggestnig that these guys:

http://www.ipcc.ch/

http://www.csiro.au/resources/pfbg.html

http://climate.nasa.gov/

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Ayers

Are all wrong? And these guys (fuckwits, one and all):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Abbott (Religious fuckwit)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Pell (Religious fuckwit)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Jones_(radio_broadcaster) (plain old
fuckwit)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Minchin (Religious fuckwit)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Monckton,_3rd_Viscount_Monckton_of_Brenchley
(Religious fuckwit)

Are all right?

You're nuts if you want us to believe that the religious loonies are right
and all the highly qualified scientists are wrong.

I suggest you get your head out of the sand.
 
T

Trevor Wilson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Eurowasp said:
It is still controversial.

**No, it is not. That would be like saying that health issues related to
smoking is still controversial. The only people who still maintain that
health problems associated with smoking are tobacco companies. Same deal
with AGW. The only people who maintain that AGW is controversial are those
who work for or are paid by the fossil fuel industry, Catholics, or those
who can't be bothered reading the science.

THERE IS NO CONTROVERSY.
You are also nuts if you think all highly qualified scientists support
the IPCC position.

**I don't. I am well aware that almost all the climatologists accept the
facts of AGW. I am also aware that scientists from unrelated disciplines
have stated that they dispute the facts. Of course, since climate science is
beyond their field of experience, their opinions are hardly valid.
 
A

atec77

Jan 1, 1970
0
**No, it is not. That would be like saying that health issues related to
smoking is still controversial. The only people who still maintain that
health problems associated with smoking are tobacco companies. Same deal
with AGW. The only people who maintain that AGW is controversial are those
who work for or are paid by the fossil fuel industry, Catholics, or those
who can't be bothered reading the science.

THERE IS NO CONTROVERSY.


**I don't. I am well aware that almost all the climatologists accept the
facts of AGW. I am also aware that scientists from unrelated disciplines
have stated that they dispute the facts. Of course, since climate science is
beyond their field of experience, their opinions are hardly valid.
Racial vilification is going to cause you problems tweva , best stop it .
 
T

Trevor Wilson

Jan 1, 1970
0
kreed said:
Don't waste your time trying to change Trevor's mind on this - he
follows
this fraud literally like a religion.

**Fraud? WTF? You manage to ignore the massive weight of science and accept
what Tony Abbott, George Pell, Alan Jones and Monckton tell you. And you
have the temerity to refer to the science of climate physics as a religion.

Here's an idea for you:

Contact this guy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Ayers

He is the boss of the Bureau of Meteorology. Send him a clear description of
why you think he is wrong about AGW. Publish your response here:

---


---

Unlike you, Tony Abbott, Monckton, Pell and Alan Jones, Greg Ayers has
worked in the area of atmospheric physics for decades. UNlike you, he knows
his stuff. However, I'll play your game. Describe your theory that explains
the warming this planet has experienced over the last 150 years.

Even though the game is clearly
coming to an end for
these climate scammers (that few people believe anymore, as can be
seen with the backlash to Julia's carbon tax)
some hardcore groupies like him still push this theory.

**Er and this guy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Ayers

Send him a copy of your theory and get back to us with his response. I'll
wait.
The Rothchild or similar banking crime families came up with the idea
of these
"dirty air scares" in the 1960's in order to profit and control.
(including controlling
vital resources such as coal and oil and maximising profit).

**Huh? Are you suggesting that the pollution afflicting most major cities in
the 1960s was healthy? Better explain that too. Pay particular attention to
the medical data.
When you own or control the lion's share of the world's wealth - you
can make any "scientific" or other theory or policy you want - real
even if it isn't. You just fund those who will assist in pushing your
views, and destroy those who don't.

**Indeed> Like these guys are doing and have done for decades:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koch_brothers

For decades, the Koch family have poured billions of Dollars (the group
income runs to around $100 billion PA) into right wing 'think tanks' and
associated organisations that seek to discredit AGW, air pollution and any
other person or group that threatens their bottom line. People like you have
sucked up their lies, without thinking. Congratulations. Light up a
cigarette. After all, they're good for you. NOT!
The same applies to governments. They get in and stay in when they do
as they are told. Julia
is just following orders, but it has been left too late. Fewer and
fewer Australians believe any more
and hopefully it will be enough to stop this rot.

**Rot? You mean: science?
You have about as much chance of changing Trev's mind on this
as you do of convincing hardcore religious people that their beliefs
are wrong.
It is the same theory.

**I follow the science. I have no interest in your inability to understand
it.
 
R

Ross Herbert

Jan 1, 1970
0
:Tom wrote:
:> On 10/04/2011 8:20 PM, Art Vanderlay wrote:
:>> Tom wrote:
:>>> On 10/04/2011 6:03 PM, Art Vanderlay wrote:
:>>>> Hi all,
:>>>>
:>>>> My Weller soldering iron heater carked it recently (TC208 24v 42w)
:>>>> so after testing found that the heating element was open circuit.
:>>>>
:>>>> This was no big deal, just went to my local industrial supply place
:>>>> that deals with Cooper Tools (the Weller Distributor) and ordered a
:>>>> new one. I have done this previously in the past with no problems.
:>>>>
:>>>> I received a phone call from my dealer telling me that Cooper Tools
:>>>> wouldn't sell them a replacement element "as it was dangerous" and
:>>>> that the iron had to be sent to them for repairs. This is not a
:>>>> warranty claim- the iron is about 20 years old.
:>>>>
:>>>> Has anyone else come across this type of crap from Cooper Tools or
:>>>> can I be pointed to somewhere that sells these items without
:>>>> hassle. I've tried to support the local Australian distributors and
:>>>> will
:>>>> probably end up buying it from a US source without drama.
:>>>>
:>>>> Thanks.
:>>>
:>>> Buy a new Hakko, I want to buy one but my 10 years old (previous
:>>> model) Hakko doesn't want to break down...
:>>> Tom
:>> Buying a new iron is certainly looking like an option. It's
:>> unfortunate though as I've had this one for a long time and really
:>> like it as an iron. Tips etc have never been a problem. Sounds like
:>> Hakko is a brand of choice as an alternative as several repliers
:>> suggest this brand. I'll have a look into these. Thanks to everyone for
:>> their input.
:>
:> We use Hakko at my work, they last a long time. We have some very old
:> models going strong after years and parts seems not a problem. My own
:> at home is 7-8 years old and had not one problem yet but it only get
:> hobby use.
:> Funny enough my company is part of Cooper but to get Weller tools from
:> sister company we would have to go through lot of paperwork and wait
:> few months, we order Hakko tools or parts and they arrive next day.
:
:**Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. The best side cutters I have ever
:eek:wned (and I've owned most of the premium brands) was made in the US by the
:(wait for it) Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company. Seriously tough cutting
:edge that lasts for years. Well made and modestly priced (about 50% cheaper
:than the Swedish stuff). When it came time to replace my cutters a few years
:back, I looked everywhere and couldn't locate a replacement. I finally
:tracked them down. Cooper Tools had bought out the company and shut them
:down. Cooper kindly offered to sell me their replacement, which I tried and
:rejected. More Cooper Tools crap.
:
:I now avoid ALL Cooper Tools products where possible. Bastards.


I remember having a pair of Diamond Tool brand 4-1/2" side-cutters way back in
the 60's and they were the hardest edged blade I had come across. Somebody
unoficially "borrowed" (stole) them and I never got them back.

In the mid 70's Diamond Tool branded their side cutters Diamalloy and while
Diamond no longer exists you can occasionally pick up a bargain on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DIAMALLOY-T...A-/380324736817?pt=Pliers&hash=item588d1eef31

I still have a near new pair of circa 1970's Diamalloy 4" side cutters and while
they are good they aren't quite as hard as the old 60's era product and they
don't use a boxed joint.

Other good brands no longer in existence or subsumed by the bigger tool makers
were Vanaloy (USA now gone), Ahrem (Germany now gone), Elliot Lucas (now Spear &
Jackson owned and not as good) and one unknown brand simply stamped "K B B".
These all used extremely well made boxed joints and good hard steel. Lindstrom
(Sweden) http://www.lindstromtools.com/index.htm are still going but their
cutters are no longer forged nor do they use boxed joints. These days they use
rivet or screw joints which are not nearly as good as boxed. They are also
expensive out here.
 
T

Trevor Wilson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Ross said:
:**Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. The best side cutters I have
ever
:(wait for it) Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company. Seriously tough
cutting


I remember having a pair of Diamond Tool brand 4-1/2" side-cutters
way back in the 60's and they were the hardest edged blade I had come
across. Somebody unoficially "borrowed" (stole) them and I never got
them back.

**They're ones. I asked my brother to sharpen my last set. He swore at me. A
hard edge has one big downside, when it comes to sharpening the blade.
In the mid 70's Diamond Tool branded their side cutters Diamalloy and
while Diamond no longer exists you can occasionally pick up a bargain
on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DIAMALLOY-T...A-/380324736817?pt=Pliers&hash=item588d1eef31

**Thanks for spotting that. Looks like a bargain for the price. Even
allowing for freight.
I still have a near new pair of circa 1970's Diamalloy 4" side
cutters and while they are good they aren't quite as hard as the old
60's era product and they don't use a boxed joint.

Other good brands no longer in existence or subsumed by the bigger
tool makers were Vanaloy (USA now gone), Ahrem (Germany now gone),
Elliot Lucas (now Spear & Jackson owned and not as good) and one
unknown brand simply stamped "K B B". These all used extremely well
made boxed joints and good hard steel. Lindstrom (Sweden)
http://www.lindstromtools.com/index.htm are still going but their
cutters are no longer forged nor do they use boxed joints. These days
they use rivet or screw joints which are not nearly as good as boxed.
They are also expensive out here.

**Bloody oath.
 
C

Clifford Heath

Jan 1, 1970
0
I remember having a pair of Diamond Tool brand 4-1/2" side-cutters way back in
the 60's and they were the hardest edged blade I had come across.

I like my orthodontic wire-cutters. Box jointed, carbide-tipped,
stainless-steel, made in Germany for clipping hardened high-tensile wires.

I guess they were expensive too, except my father was an orthodontist.

You might find <http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/12211575/Orthodontic_Plier_Heavy_Duty_With_T.html>
or something like it that works for you.

Clifford Heath.
 
T

Trevor Wilson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Clifford said:
I like my orthodontic wire-cutters. Box jointed, carbide-tipped,
stainless-steel, made in Germany for clipping hardened high-tensile
wires.
I guess they were expensive too, except my father was an orthodontist.

You might find
<http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/12211575/Orthodontic_Plier_Heavy_Duty_With_T.html>
or something like it that works for you.
Clifford Heath.

**I use a few dental tools. In the main, they're superb tools, that keep
their edge. One is constantly by my side. Dunno what it is called, but I use
it for scraping PCBs. It's kept it edge for at least a decade or so.
 
R

Ross Herbert

Jan 1, 1970
0
:Clifford Heath wrote:
:> On 04/13/11 13:48, Ross Herbert wrote:
:>> I remember having a pair of Diamond Tool brand 4-1/2" side-cutters
:>> way back in the 60's and they were the hardest edged blade I had
:>> come across.
:>
:> I like my orthodontic wire-cutters. Box jointed, carbide-tipped,
:> stainless-steel, made in Germany for clipping hardened high-tensile
:> wires.
:> I guess they were expensive too, except my father was an orthodontist.
:>
:> You might find
:>
<http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/12211575/Orthodontic_Plier_Heavy_Duty_With_T.html>
:> or something like it that works for you.
:> Clifford Heath.
:
:**I use a few dental tools. In the main, they're superb tools, that keep
:their edge. One is constantly by my side. Dunno what it is called, but I use
:it for scraping PCBs. It's kept it edge for at least a decade or so.

There is a German company, Bernstein, whose electronics cutters look to be quite
good (they use boxed joints)
http://www.bernstein-werkzeuge.de/Electronic Pliers.html

The range includes hard wire cutters and they are sold in Aus by Mektronics (I
think RS and Farnell as well but haven't checked). I don't think they are
cheap....
http://www.mektronics.com.au
 
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