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I contacted Weller by email and asked about the Solder Stand.
The yellow sponge should only be dampened with 'Distilled' water. The channels at the bottom of the sponge tray are to hold additional water so the sponge doesn't have to be re-wetted so often. The Six holes that line the edges of the stand are two different sizes. The holes on the Left are for extra ET-series tips. The holes on the Right are smaller than those on the Left and were for a series of discontinued EPH tips. The holes at the top of the stand next to the channel slot where the iron holder support goes in were for use with a different iron holder not included with this kit. The rubber feet at the bottom of the iron stand are antistatic. The tiny flat shelf area directly below the iron tip is there to catch any excess solder that drops on the stand from the tip. The stand was designed in South Carolina and die cast for the Weller company, it is made of metal with an enamel like paint. I really hope they write a nice quickstart or manual dedicated to the stand, it is model # PH60
The control dial on the power supply base has a single low contrast line to indicate its relative position in its range of motion, but has no tactile feedback, and no demarcs or delimiters on the dial label. The Weller website indicated the range is "Not Linear" and recommended "overshooting" the specific operating temperature and "backing down" to fine tune the actual operating temperature to be used. This seems to indicate there is a "lash" effect coupled with the "environment" inherent in the design and situation in which it is expected to operate.
As such while the display used for setting the operating temperature and monitoring the operating temperature is "digital" that does not reflect the actual conditions in which it is used. It is a manual feedback system which must be used with "skill" in order to to achieve the desired peformance when soldering.
The good thing is the power supply is substantial and sufficient to maintain the operating temperature while "bleeding" heat into the expected target contacts in order to bring them up to soldering temperatures. I expect less thermal swings in trying to heat up and solder before the temperature of the joint falls below soldering temperature.. if at all.. and the pivoting temperature monitor shoudl prevent overheating the board and delaminating it.
I've included a video of my experience unboxing the unit after purchasing on Amazon from a third party.
