WELLER SM1 SOLDERING MATE SOLDER Review

I bought this unit instead of Hakko because the packaging says Made in USA. Weller's dispenser works, but Hakko's product is better. Made in the USA, but it's a shame they couldn't make it better than something that looks like it was made in a high school classroom.

I bought these two coasters at the same time hoping I would like at least one. This Weller model is fine, although for my purposes (chain vs solder) the built in pilot hole is noisy when the chain slips (quiet on the Hakko model). The Weller case is also quite light, so not as strong as the Hakko. On the positive side, it is already assembled (you need to assemble Hakko yourself). However, for just a few bucks, I think the Hakko 611-1 is a better buy.

I'm a little disappointed, both with the product and with me. I should have read the Q&A, but as always in a home with three kids, a cat, and a woman recovering from surgery, I got distracted while ordering. I have to send it back, but it's *MY* fault for not reading it all. and to be honest, $10 a pound of solder is never going to exist, especially the brand we've heard about here in the States that we actually pronounce and not just a bunch of random consonants. $10 for *just* this piece of…