EXPENSIVE vs CHEAP Solder Station - Is it worth the money?

In this video I compare a more expensive Weller Solder station with an inexpensive Chinese brand. We will get into the main differences between the two and even discuss if one is worth the extra money. The price difference is a bit shocking!

[@kennethbeal]

Thank you! So far I just have a hand-held simple model, nice to see what may come next! :)

[@IllInformedHuman]

When you upgrade, the stand alone pencil solder iron can still be used to mend 3D parts (PLA) or burn patterns into wood!

[@dirtrider88]

how can you compare 2 soldering stations without fucking soldering anything???

[@IllInformedHuman]

Are you blind? I just showed you how to do that in the video? Watch it again if you missed it...

[@ImranAli-rp4kd]

@@IllInformedHumanI didn’t see any soldering of any components or anything to be honest

[@IllInformedHuman]

@@ImranAli-rp4kd I meant that I was able to compare 2 soldering stations without actually soldering ☺

[@ImranAli-rp4kd]

@@IllInformedHuman ok now I understand but we can’t compare then without actually soldering, as we need to check how they perform and what type of soldering they can handle, and other things like what tips are available and price of tips. Also quality etc, I can tell you though there both rubbish, weller is way overpriced and both use old technology

[@IllInformedHuman]

@@ImranAli-rp4kd I understand what you are saying, but disagree. Even the $5 plug in - non adjustable soldering pencils will melt solder and properly solder a component. The fluctuation in the heat could be an issue. Or the temp could be too high.
As I didn't have a way to measure the accuracy of the hot end I thought it useless to show it just melting solder.
As for Weller, at least they use high quality materials than the cheapies!