Tuesday, 27 January 2015

Antex XS25 element replacement.

When I decided in 2008 that I wanted to build etched kits I bought myself an Antex 25w iron. This is one of the best tool purchases that I've made; its light, comfortable to hold, has an good range of tips which are readily obtainable, the element is right at the tip of the iron where its needed, the tips surround the element for better heat transfer, and spares are available.

The element on mine gave up last Saturday so I went straight onto Antex's website and ordered a replacement, which arrived today (Tuesday). I like nice quick service!

The first job is to remove the cross-head screw, ignore the plastic slot head at the end, it just hold the rubber cable surround in place;


Now grip the element and pull it out of the handle. Mine was a bit on the tight side so I gripped in in my bench vice;


Remove the yellow plastic cable seperater;


Note where each wire goes, I just took a photo, one of the advantages of digital cameras;


Unsolder the old, solder on the new;


Then re-assemble and test. I'm pleased to say that it started getting hot within seconds of being switched on. Obviously you need a working soldering iron to do this, I have an 18w Antex thats usefull for wiring. It took longer to write this post than it took to fit the new element. Hooray for quality tools that are designed to be repaired rather than just chucked away and replaced!

I am not associated with Antex in any way apart from being a very satisfied customer.

Paul.
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8 comments:

  1. Iain Robinson27 January 2015 at 20:51

    I have an Antex iron myself, after my last one burnt out. I am delighted to see that the replacement procedure is simple enough that even I could do it! Not that mine is in danger of over use :-)

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    1. Paul B.27 January 2015 at 20:59

      Mine's been used to build about a dozen loco kits (some of which are even finished!) and a few etched wagons and bits over the past seven years. So I reckon that I've had my moneys worth out of the old element!

      Delete
  2. Mark28 January 2015 at 07:28

    I'm still using a 30W iron that came as part of a free tookit I when I subscribed to the Real Robots partwork back in 2001. The robot was fairly rubbish though so I guess I actually spent quite a bit on a soldering iron!

    It's got no manufacturer markings on it, and when it eventually dies I doubt it will be serviceable, but from reading this post I think I'll be buying an Antex as it's replacement.

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    1. Paul B.28 January 2015 at 15:19

      Antex irons seem to be rather popular amongst modellers, for good reason I think. I do have a 25w Weller as well but its huge in comparison, and hasn't actually been used for years.

      Delete
  3. Julias Modelopolis29 January 2015 at 12:50

    Hi Paul.

    Now that is something I didnt know. I wasnt aware that you could replace the element on the 25w so I will bear that in mind if mine ever gives up on me. Is it an expensive repair?

    Thanks.

    Julia.

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    Replies
    1. Paul B.29 January 2015 at 15:53

      I'm glad I covered this now!
      £13.54 for a new element plus postage Julia, so not too expensive. Although you'd probably get a whole iron for that price from one of those budget tool stores that pop up at exhibitions...

      Delete
  4. Simon Dunkley31 January 2015 at 21:31

    So, how do you unsolder the wires, if you are replacing the element of the iron?
    ;)
    Couldn't resist. Sorry.

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    Replies
    1. Paul B.31 January 2015 at 21:58

      You could always borrow one Simon... assuming that you don't own multiple irons like I do!

      Delete

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