If you are a serious solderer, and are into it beyond the typical pen-style hobby iron, this is the best price I have found on a great Hakko unit from a reputable seller. Does not include tips, but those are not expensive.
This is regarded as the best sub $400 soldering unit on the market; can easily do PCB SMD soldering with the right tips and paste and heating to operating temp is near instantaneous. Also has a dongle safety key to block unauthorized use (aka little curious hands.)
Admittedly, this is not for everyone but if this what you aspire to have, it’s a good deal on a top quality product with free shipping. It is not from a dubious “fell-off-the-truck” seller or a weeks away Pacific Rim vendor.
I am not connected with the seller in any way. Just passing it along.
Weller WESD51 can be had for under $150 new, or under $100 lightly used if you look around a bit. And, it doesn't look like something made by Fisher-Price for ages 3-5.
New Weller pencil: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000DZA5AC - $37.24
Genuine Weller tips are under $4 each, I got a knock-off set of 10, but I find I only use 2 styles regularly, and one big fat slash-cut one very occasionally. So, the next ones I buy will be the real deal, and only those styles I actually have a use for.
I think the Hakko looks great, as if it was designed within the last three decades. It may perform great too, but at this point I'd prefer a hot air system or something like these tweezers.
I find it quite helpful, but just have to keep in mind that the sensor is on the element a bit away from the tip. It seem pretty accurate from the temperature ratings of the solder I use. Even has calibration and sleep timeout settings
There is a filter, looks like a low density open cell foam which seemed to work pretty well the few times I had it in. Pretty standard. I replaced it with a treated wool pad instead, just for safety.
That's a great price on that Weller setup. I have been happy with my Yihua 936, so happy that I bought a second one. The quality isn't as good as these I'm sure but they have worked well so far and they take genuine Hakko tips which opens up a lot of options. A great deal for around $23 shipped!
Used WESD51s regularly come up on ebay for reasonable prices (sub-$100), but they don't last long. Even buying new for ~$145 is a good deal for what they are. I got mine for I think $85, it looked like it had been unboxed, tested once, then packed back up and sat on a shelf in somebody's garage for a few years.
Jealous.
