Soldering station suggestioin (again)

max72

Following my usual path, and after having spent money on fragile and useless soldering station at last it is time to but something decent.
From the past discussion it looks Metcal is considered a very good option, but on the website there are a lot of options, and of course price.
I recently discovered the wonders of oven soldering, but a soldering station would be a nice add on.
I cannot understand the difference between the various tips/cartridges (SSC, solder tip,solder cartridge..), and what would better suit my needs, so any enlightenment is welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Massimo

Leon

Get an STSS power unit on Ebay, with a new MX-500 handpiece, stand, sponges and cartridges. $200 or so should cover it.

The cartridges you need depend on whether you are using leaded or lead-free solder, and the type of soldering.

max72

Thanks Leon, I hoped you would come to my rescue.
Is this unit a good option?

I will use leaded solder, ranging from the TH headers, resistors and so on, down to SMD components, 0805 family, the prop, ft232RL , tssop epprom and friends. I recently discovered the wonders of oven soldering, so I guess in my future fine pitched components will mainly require some solder wick, but this are my expected soldering needs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metcal-STSS-PS2V-soldering-Iron-Base-Power-Supply-Unit-and-Iron-/380405821512?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D15%26pmod%3D140662693100%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5909055196147661271

Thanks again,
Massimo

Leon

I'm very happy with my Metcal system, I've been using it for years.

I deal with a similar range to you (mostly lead solder) and these are the cartridges I use most:

STTC-144
STTC-138
STTC-122
STTC-101P
SMTC-1167 (MIni-Hoof) for drag-soldering.