13-08-2014, 02:03 PM
Here we go 
As I said, I have used Weller TCP and Metcal for fine work (and "big" stuff). I got first-grade results with both. Neither stood out as being obviously "better" in use. When you factor in price and support, it's a no-brainer.
If I was spending Metcal-money today, I'd want something with adjustable temperature, which rules out Metcal as far as I can tell. In addition to Weller, I'd consider Pace and JBC. But before moving from Weller, I'd need to be convinced of the support, and I'd want to see prices for all spare parts.
Fundamentally, I'm all for persuading people of the benefits of a properly controlled iron, and a Weller TCP is a good bet - a simple, well-proven, well-supported product for a fair price new, and a safe bet second-hand. There is a quantum-leap in performance between one of these and a basic non-controlled Antex or whatever. But performance differences between a TCP and a Metcal are small-to-negligible for most users, most of the time.
The trouble with these sorts of debates is that people who might be half-interested in stepping up from a basic non-controlled iron become trapped into believing that only a £600 Metcal will do, and therefore will be put off from making the step to a TCP or similar.
As I said, I have used Weller TCP and Metcal for fine work (and "big" stuff). I got first-grade results with both. Neither stood out as being obviously "better" in use. When you factor in price and support, it's a no-brainer.
If I was spending Metcal-money today, I'd want something with adjustable temperature, which rules out Metcal as far as I can tell. In addition to Weller, I'd consider Pace and JBC. But before moving from Weller, I'd need to be convinced of the support, and I'd want to see prices for all spare parts.
Fundamentally, I'm all for persuading people of the benefits of a properly controlled iron, and a Weller TCP is a good bet - a simple, well-proven, well-supported product for a fair price new, and a safe bet second-hand. There is a quantum-leap in performance between one of these and a basic non-controlled Antex or whatever. But performance differences between a TCP and a Metcal are small-to-negligible for most users, most of the time.
The trouble with these sorts of debates is that people who might be half-interested in stepping up from a basic non-controlled iron become trapped into believing that only a £600 Metcal will do, and therefore will be put off from making the step to a TCP or similar.
