Weller WX or WT Series? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RRNorth
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 22, 2020, 05:13:55 pm
content: Hello,So I'm shopping for a new soldering station, I've been using my old WES51 for a long time and it's been reliable but I need something with more precision and functionality.I've been debating between either the WX2021 set or the WT2021 set, and I'm wondering if anyone has experience and knowledge of the differences between the two, if the WX provides any superior tech or functionality.Specifically, both series offer the Micro pencil and all it's tips (WXMP/WMRP) which, based on looking through the tip options, serve 95% of my needs. However, I'm curious about the WX series' options of the Pico and Ultra Pencils(WXPP and WXUP). Looking at the WXPP's tip options, it seems, although Weller states it's purpose is for the utmost precision, you can get equally small tips for the WXMP/WMRP.Is there any benefit to using the WXPP with a 0.1mm conical tip over the WMRP with a 0.1mm conical tip? Is the extra cost to have the WX series over the WT worth it? I'm just wondering if there is some other feature that makes the Pico pencil that is available in the WX series specially suited for precision work and if there is any other added features in the WX series that makes it worth it over the WT seriesAppreciate any opinions and knowledge shared.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2020, 08:52:21 pm
content: WX is listed as 240W vs 150W total for the WThttps://www.testequipmentdepot.com/weller/soldering/soldering-stations/esd-safe-wx-dual-channel-digital-solder-station-120v-80w-200-to-850degreef-wx2021.htmhttps://www.testequipmentdepot.com/weller/soldering/soldering-stations/wt2021ms-soldering-set-with-oval-head-side-cutter-wt2021msp.htm

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 08:33:09 am
content: I've used the Weller WX station a lot, as of a few years back. (So I haven't used the newest pencils.)Honestly... I'd get JBC if at all possible. It's much, much, much better than Weller for fine work, and you won't regret it. (Though your wallet might.) I don't see Weller as competitive anywhere but the entry level and lower midrange of the market. Everywhere else, their performance or cost/performance just doesn't stack up well against JBC, Pace, or used Metcal.

author: RRNorth
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 04:15:37 pm
content: Yeah, I hear alot of praise for JBC and I don't doubt they're great units. But I've had consistent reliability with Weller for 15 years. And the biggest thing is JBC is double the price of weller for it's comparable set (NASE)...so I have to weigh the benefits to cost. Even if JBCs set is better than Weller, is it really double the price better?They look fancy for sure and everything I read have the best thermal recovery around, but I can't manage that high of a cost. I'm confident on sticking with Weller. But I appreciate the suggestion 🙂

author: eeviking
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 04:03:47 pm
content: My 2 cents:I have a WX2 with WXMP-MS, WXP90 and WXP120If you can justify spending the extra cash I would say go for the WX over the WT.With WX you have a much larger selection of irons, more features and its future proof.There is also the motion sensor and eeprom with temp settings in the WX handles vs. only the magnet reed relay in the WT.I find the magnet "arm" sticking out of the WMRP stand very annoying.Sometimes you can find good deals on used WX2s. Would never pay Weller retail pricesAt least not for hobby use. Got great deals on all of mine.I haven't tried the new WXPP and WXUP.Looks like there is not a lot of difference between the PP and MP, power is the same, its just a slightly smaller packages.The MPs biggest problem is the lack of power. With 40W for most tips it is only useful for small smt and struggles with gnd planes etc.The WXP90 is not that much physically bigger and was a big upgrade for me. Feels a lot like an ERSA I-CON I have used in the past.The WXUP looks very promising with 150W though.Also a downside to the new pencils is the price of the tips compared to conventional irons.The Metcals are very nice too, (I have a MX5000) but lack temp controls. So you need a lot of tips for different temps.I never really used JBCs. They are probably great, but never liked the design/feel of the ones I have tried.There is also the diy option. I build one of these once:http://kair.us/projects/weller/index.htmlIt seems to work fine and can control a WMRP or WMRT

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2020, 04:19:17 pm
content: Quote from: RRNorth on September 23, 2020, 04:15:37 pmI’d look at Pace: top quality, and some of the cheapest tips in the industry. (Plus, people have been reporting that Weller’s tip quality has been less consistent since they moved their tip manufacturing to Mexico.)

author: aronake
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2020, 04:08:08 am
content: I bought a WX2 and used it with WXP65 and WXP120. Found it good for soldering. Then upgraded to WXMP and WXUP. Great upgrade that makes this a very good solder kit! Only annoyance is the circular "touch rotation arrangement". Very odd and bad! But rarely use it as there are programmable direct buttons for two temperatures. Settings for each iron is saved in the iron, which is quite smart.Also have WXMT which I think are very good soldering tweezers, very rarely use them though.

author: e-mfg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 01, 2020, 03:15:18 pm
content: I noticed a free trial program for Weller Systems on All-Spec today. The WX and WT are listed herehttps://www.all-spec.com/weller-try-then-buy

author: poba53
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 20, 2021, 12:59:54 am
content: I bought a Weller WX2 and WXP65/WXP120/WXMT combination early 2014 that has been working perfectly until this December 2020. During 2014-2015 I updated the firmware two extra times. But in December I made the mistake to try install the latest firmware 078. Did the same procedure with an USB stick as always and turned on the power and got the screen boot loader wait 30s message. I waited 2 hours and gave up and the WX2 is corrupt. No function remained. To fix this WX2 the Weller repair center wanted me to send the complete unit to Germany (a cost of 50 Euro from Sweden). I tried to find the main CPU board as a spare part on the WEB but with no luck.So my message is to not ever try to update a fully functional WX2 unit.I decided to buy a new unit this time a Weller WX2010 promo (WX2+WXMP+Tip+Stand) from Amazon.de and then the disaster started. They delivered a WX2010 only containing the WXMP handle and nothing else (1 of 4 items). I complained and they requested me to return the WXMP. Four days later I received a new "complete" WX2010 this time containing only the WX2 (again 1 of 4). I complained again and they offered me a new replacement WX2010 if I returned the two items I now had. As the Amazon.de homepage told me that this unit now was out of stock I suggested that I keep the two units I have. But then their message was "we cant give away two WX2010 systems for free to you, that is a value of more than 1200 Euro". I have paid 665 Euros so far and have in total received half of the items included in the WX2010. Now the parts are shipped back and I have bought another complete set the WX2012 promo set: (WX2+WXUP+tip+WSR200) from a Swedish supplier and it arrives tomorrow.Besides this little story I have worked full time with Weller and Pace solder systems for production and repair since 1979 with very good functionality.