Electronic components are sensitive to heat, so a reliable soldering station is essential. You need steady heat control with the ability to adjust the temperature for different materials. Weller offers this and more in these two models. Let’s look at them both and see which one is the best for you.
Weller WES51 Analog Soldering Station
The WES51 is made for regular, continuous use in a production environment, like for repairs or manufacturing on surface-mount and through-hole boards. It’s a favorite for soldering projects among electronic enthusiasts, too. It has a 50-watt station with a wide range of temperature settingsbetween 350°F-850°F. The wattage is high enough that it heats up fast. The iron recovers the selected working temperature in 10 seconds or less while it’s in use.
The pencil, or soldering iron, has a non-corroding stainless steel heating element, and its tip is replaceable and interchangeable with other Weller ET series tips. The foam grip makes the iron easy to hold. It is lightweight, weighing just 2 ounces. The 4-foot-long cord gives you plenty of room to work, and it unplugs from the station for compact storage.
When Weller says there is a wireless temperature lockout, they mean you can select a temperature and then use the magnetized wand (“PW50 probe”) to touch the symbol over the words “ESD Safe” on the station. There is a reed switch inside that stops the temperature from changing even if the user moves the dial. The LED on the station will blink to confirm the lockout.Repeat the process to unlock it.
More features of the Weller WES51
- Comes with stand, pencil, 47-850 ETA Screwdriver Tip–1/16” size,PW50 probe (magnetized wand) for wireless lockout, and sponge
- Temperature accuracy is +/-9°F
- Non-burnable silicone power cord
- Outputs 24V; UL and cUL listed
- Automatic power-off after 99 minutes of inactivity
- Weller offers a 1-year limited warranty
Weller WESD51 Digital Soldering Station
Like the WES51 above, this station is made for continuous use in the professional production of electronics, but it’s also enjoyed by hobbyists. This WEDS51 station has a digital readout that displays either Fahrenheit or Celsius so you know precisely what temperature you’ve selected and what the temperature of the tip is. It also has wireless lockout—hold the magnetized wand over the symbol above “ESD Safe” on the station. The LED will blink and the temperature will stay locked even if you move the dial. You can unlock it the same way. Imagine how handy this feature would be if you were teaching a class how to solder.
This station is 50-watts so you don’t have to wait more than about a minute for it to be ready to use. The iron recovers heat within a few seconds. The temperature range is the same as on the WES51: 350°F-850°F. Note that the accuracy is +/-9°F.
The WEDS51 comes with the same lightweight soldering iron as the WES51 station. It weighs just two ounces and has a comfortable foam grip. It doesn’t get too hot to hold like cheaper irons do. It’s anti-static so you can use it on sensitive electronics, and it won’t oxidize easily. The tip is interchangeable with other Weller ET series tips. Just unscrew it and mount the new tip. The pencil cord is 4 feet long so you have plenty of room to work, and it unplugs from the station for storage.
More features of the Weller WESD51
- Comes with the same stand, sponge, magnetized probe, ETA tip, and anti-static soldering iron as the WES51, but includes the D51PU station
- Non-burnable silicone power cord
- Automatic power-off after 90 minutes of inactivity
- Outputs 24V; UL and cUL listed
- Weller offers a 1-year limited warranty
Recommendation
You’ll see Weller soldering stations in classrooms, professional workshops, and in the homes of hobbyists all over the world. It’s a trusted brand name because they make products that work but don’t cost an arm and a leg to own. If you explore what other tips they offer besides the one that comes with these stations you’ll see that they are not as expensive as some other brands, and yet they last.
When you compare the WES51 and the WEDS51, the decision comes down to just one factor. Do you want a digital readout or not?
If you plan to solder components that are very sensitives so you need to know as precisely as possible what temperature you’re using, get the WEDS51 with the digital readout. This station is also handy for new users who may not have the experience to judge on sight whether the iron is hot enough for their solder.
Otherwise, the WES51 has been a favorite station for years among those who use it frequently. Get the WES51 if you don’t need the digital temperature display.
Click here to purchase Weller WES51 on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Weller WESD51 on Amazon!