Weller W60P3 60Watts/120V Controlled Output Soldering Iron With 3-Wire Cord

I don't solder nearly as much as I used to, so it was hard to justify spending $80 on this iron. I was tempted to buy the WP25 instead, but in the end, I decided the versatility of this iron may be worth the extra cash.I'll do a quick comparison for those who may not be familiar with how different types of 120v portable soldering irons work. There are two features you want to carefully consider when choosing an iron: 1) regulated or unregulated & 2) grounded or ungrounded.The cheapest handheld irons are unregulated and ungrounded. Unregulated means the iron tip will get as hot as its wattage rating allows it to get, and ungrounded means the iron will have no earth ground wire for static charge to dissipate through (ungrounded irons are identifiable by the two prong power plug, grounded irons will have a three prong plug). Unregulated, ungrounded irons should only be used for tasks that are not temperature sensitive and that do not require ESD (electrostatic discharge) considerations. Making jewelry is an example of a task suitable to an unregulated, ungrounded iron. Such irons can usually be had for as little as $10. In general, if an iron is unregulated, it will also be ungrounded.For more sensitive tasks, such as electronics work, you're going to want a regulated, grounded iron. A regulated iron will have some means of fixing the tip temperature maximum. The Weller WP25 uses a thermistor to ensure the tip temperature does not exceed 750F. The WP35 also uses a thermistor and will not exceed 850F. Both irons are grounded and are available in the $40ish price range. The WP25, being grounded, is an ESD-safe iron, and is perfectly fine for light gauge wires and most board-level work, but it may struggle on heavier joints where 25 watts of power isn't enough to sustain the regulated temperature. The WP35, with 35 watts of power, will handle heavier joints than the WP25, but at the cost of having a higher temperature ceiling (850F). Sometimes this is acceptable, but there are times when it's important to keep the tip temperature down when working on large joints, such as the case when tiny heat-sensitive components are nearby.Like the WP25 and WP35, the Weller W60P3 is also a regulated, grounded iron. But unlike the WP25 and WP35, it does not regulate temperature with a thermistor. Its method of temperature regulation, patented by Carl Weller in the 1950's, is quite ingenious and works on the property of magnetic hysteresis. There is a small magnet in the tip which keeps the circuit closed and a spring in the iron barrel that wants to open the circuit. When a certain temperature is reached, the magnetic field strength is reduced to such a point that the magnet releases its hold, allowing the spring to pull back and open the circuit. Since the magnet is in the tip itself, different maximum temperatures can be chosen by using different tips that each have specific magnetic properties. More specifically, the W60P3 allows you to choose 600F, 700F, or 800F tips. Also, the W60P3 is a 60watt iron, so it can handle those heavier joints, but at a temperature that is right for you and your given task.If you've been researching irons, you may have also noticed the W60P model. While it is identical in temperature regulation to the W60P3, it is not grounded. In general, the only reason you'd want to pick the W60P over the W60P3 is if you have to do work in older buildings that only have 2-prong power outlets. For most people, this would not be a consideration, and the W60P3 will be the right choice.Overall, the W60P3 is a fine iron and its closed-loop method of temperature control is the same that is employed by Weller's classic WTCPT bench iron. While the W60P3 is pricey at $80, its versatility and quality make it a long-lasting worthwhile tool to add to your tool chest.

I've been using this Weller iron since the early 1970's to now. It is of the highest quality and reliability. The primary thing is that sets this iron apart from other irons is the the TIP uses a calibrated Magnet to control the temperature at the correct heat at the tip (this unique idea was patented). It is very, VERY reliable. Look for the BLUE Handled ones made by Weller with the 3-prong wall plug. These are the Professional irons.

Seems like they don't make the WP35, so I got this one. Very disappointed. The selection of CT tips is very limited and the cord is too stiff. I guess Weller wants you to buy the newer ET series iron and is phasing out the WP irons.

Buen producto, justo lo que necesitaba

Works as it should. The best of the best.

(Why does the review ask me to rate it "for beginners"? It's a stick that gets hot on the end fer cryin' out loud.)I have an ancient Weller soldering iron that was getting to the end of its usefulness; the black plastic guard was split, and the power cord (2-wire!) was getting frayed at the plug end. I guess I could have patched it up but I thought it would be better to be safe.This new iron appears to be identical to the old one! Color me surprised. The construction quality, materials, everything, just like the old one. The power cord is actually better. Weller always was good and still is.

I rated this soldering iron only 3 starts because the tip sold was like a tip of a pen, small and pointed. The description should advise purchasers of the limited use with the tip included. We resolved the tip issue by purchasing two additional tips from Weller. For the cost of this soldering iron Weller should include a variety of tips for make the iron more universal.

I used to lug around my soldering kit from 25 years ago that had the separate station that the wand plugged in to. This product works just as well and love the all in one aspect of this unit. I definitely recommend this iron