Maplin Temperature-controlled Solder Station 50w Soldering Iron N78AR

The very definition of semi-professional.

I am a musician and hobbyist who makes his own leads, builds his own circuits, repairs his own gear. I use one of these things to do what I need to do, and it does it passably well. The sponge pad comes adrift far too easily, the tips are not the best; but compared to most DIY store soldering irons it is head-and-shoulders above them.

If you want to spend three figures on professional gear, go ahead. If you want to spend £10 on a rubbish soldering iron, go ahead. This is perfect for the limited-budget hobbyist, or the self-maintaning musician. It's not perfect, but it is the best in its class.

(Incidentally, Maplin sell this same item for more money. Why would you?)Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Sold by: 1.tech

Short life.

Variable gadget did not last long with minimal use. Ripped it apart and use it as holder for walled plugged original iron that was attached.

Thank you

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: pclaptop_partz

this little iron is great its got me out of trouble in an emergency many a time

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: zero-gee

Ideal for young learner

Bought as an Xmas present for my grandson. Works ok he says.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: 1.tech

Essential for lead free solders

My old Antex iron, although very nice just didn't get hot enough to make lead free solder flow. This product handles it beautifully

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: zero-gee

Exactly as advertised

Great quality for inexpensive price. Worth the extra pound or two for the ability to adjust the heat.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: zero-gee

Well priced reliable product

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: zero-gee

Good quality and good price.

I have used this soldering iron many times. It heats up quickly to an adjustable temperature. Just remember to remove the polythene from the tip before switching on!

Verified purchase:  Yes • Sold by: 1.tech

An excellent tool and good service

A very useful soldering iron. Works very well. Also, the provider replaced it when it broke down for some reason with no quibbles, even though I had had it for a few months.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: mg_electronic