{"id":5831,"date":"2015-01-26T09:34:00","date_gmt":"2015-01-26T17:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mightyohm.com\/blog\/?p=5831"},"modified":"2015-09-26T11:10:55","modified_gmt":"2015-09-26T18:10:55","slug":"cool-tools-metcal-mx-5211-soldering-station","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mightyohm.com\/blog\/2015\/01\/cool-tools-metcal-mx-5211-soldering-station\/","title":{"rendered":"Cool Tools: Metcal MX-5211 Soldering Station"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Metcal
\nThis is it! This Metcal soldering station will make you put away your Weller or Hakko and never look back! The dual simultaneous iron feature means you no longer need to buy two Metcal base units in order to solder SMT components with both hands! At over $800, these cost\u00a0more than most hobbyists can afford. But for electronics professionals, this is probably the best soldering iron money can buy today. Just think, a year ago I\u00a0had to buy two\u00a0stations like this to fully equip a single lab bench for two-handed soldering!<\/p>\n

Amazon.com seems to have the best price\u00a0on these (free shipping for prime members!):\u00a0Metcal MX-5211 Soldering and Rework System with 2 Hand-Pieces<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

Note: Tips are not included, but this iron uses the commonly available STTC tips that work with the older MX-500 series base units. Tips are not cheap, typically costing $15-$30 ea, but they will last for years of daily use if properly cared for.<\/a><\/p>\n

I recommend the 700 series tips (STTC-1xx) for general leaded and lead-free soldering, although the tip life on the 600 series tips (STTC-0xx) is better and the lower temperature is fine for leaded solder and light duty use.<\/p>\n

Here are some of my favorite STTC series tips:<\/p>\n