Weller WES51 Analog Soldering Station $78.49@Amazon + Free Prime Ship

Link to WES51 [amazon.com]

I am looking for the WED51 which is the same iron with a digital display for less than $100.

Talk me into the analog as I like saving a couple bucks.

Quote from RealtyViking : Link to WES51 [amazon.com] I am looking for the WED51 which is the same iron with a digital display for less than $100. Talk me into the analog as I like saving a couple bucks.

Same here.

Awesome price. I bought the Hakko FX-888 a week ago for slightly more than this and haven't even opened the box yet. I'd jump on this for sure of I hadn't. Triple camel can confirm this is an all time low without rebate.

Go with the Hakko.

to buy or not to buy..

would folks consider this a good beginner soldering iron?

I bought the WLC100, but it is still in the box and I am wondering if this would be the smarter unit to have.

Looks like a fine price!

How does this compare to this Stahl guy that PE always advertises (let's pretend PE has free shipping too for the point of comparison)? Really worth ~double the price?

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/s...er=374-200

Would this deal be worth the $25 more than this?

http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-937-D...000I30QBW/

great iron and nice price! i've had mine for over 3 years and love it!

Thanks OP, jumped on the Used- Like New one for $71 at the Warehouse, good deal!

Quote from Kurtois : would folks consider this a good beginner soldering iron? I bought the WLC100, but it is still in the box and I am wondering if this would be the smarter unit to have.

It's good for anyone. I used a single 25w Weller for 2-3 years while I was improving my technique and only recently upgraded to this unit - it's great!

Quote from RealtyViking : Talk me into the analog as I like saving a couple bucks.

The only thing a digital buys me is that it lets me know when it's up to temperature. But when setting it to 700 degrees it gets there in less than 10 seconds, so it's really moot.

Quote from walletNgromice : Awesome price. I bought the Hakko FX-888 a week ago for slightly more than this and haven't even opened the box yet. I'd jump on this for sure of I hadn't. Triple camel can confirm this is an all time low without rebate.

Quote from Gorgula : Go with the Hakko.

Not sure if the deal is still out there but there was a highly rated seller on Ebay selling the Hakko unit with a bunch of tips at a good price (even before using "make an offer" to lower it a bit)

I think I paid about 95 shipped for the FX888, 5 tips and a little solder and desolder wick.

Interesting thing is that the tips turned out to be genuine Hakko, which are NOT cheap.

Its more expensive, but I think its a better value. Its my first soldering station and I cant believe I went so long without one.