soldering iron selection

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shafferny

Copper - Posts: 240

Joined: February 02, 2008

Location: New York, United States

Posted: February 11, 2010 at 6:03 PM / IP Logged

Hi everyone,

Being my 35w el'cheapo soldering iron is only good for soldering smaller wires, i'm seeking to purchase something that will hand 10 and 12awg wires with ease. In the past it has always got me by, but it's time for new one.

I've read through numberous posts regarding solderin iron selection and it appear what I need is something that is at least 50-60watts.

I'd like some input as to what's good, what to stay away from, and brands.

I'm thinking something like this.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM161706137P?vName=Tools&keyword=soldering+iron

x1le

Copper - Posts: 171

Joined: August 01, 2009

Location: Massachusetts, United States

Posted: February 11, 2010 at 6:10 PM / IP Logged

I use a 260w watt weller soldering gun I snag'd for like $45 shipped. Another installer I work with has the craftsman 230w which I actually like over mine.

I love havin a gun, tho. Heats up primary wires in <15 secs.

chev104275

Gold - Posts: 1,427

This member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Security and Convenience. Click here for more info.

Joined: November 26, 2007

Location: Massachusetts, United States

Posted: February 11, 2010 at 6:11 PM / IP Logged

i use this Power Probe it works as long as your careful i also have this Solder Kit part#PPSK at the bottom of the page works good too

If i Can't Install it I Don't need it Joe

shafferny

Copper - Posts: 240

Joined: February 02, 2008

Location: New York, United States

Posted: February 11, 2010 at 6:51 PM / IP Logged

Does the wattage of a gun different than the wattage of a soldering iron when used for the same type materal? (Does that make sense?) For example, would a 230watt gun be comparible to a 80w iron?

Twelvoltz

Platinum - Posts: 2,384

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This member consistently provides reliable information

Joined: March 24, 2005

Location: New Jersey, United States

Posted: February 11, 2010 at 7:20 PM / IP Logged

I have been using this one for years. Had to replace the occasional tip but would not go without it now. Solders 2 10ga wires no problem at all.

Installer, IT support, and FFL. I need less hobbies.

matthewjon

Member - Posts: 40

Joined: January 27, 2010

Location: Minnesota, United States

Posted: February 11, 2010 at 7:33 PM / IP Logged

I have a craftman model # 27320 soldering gun. Works like a champ!

Dual heating 400/150 watts

built-in work light

rated tip temp: 1000*F

oldspark

Gold - Posts: 4,913

Joined: November 03, 2008

Location: Australia

Posted: February 11, 2010 at 8:12 PM / IP Logged

shafferny wrote:

would a 230watt gun be comparible to a 80w iron?

They should have similar efficiencies (converting electricity to heat) so the 230W should have nearly 4 times the heat output of the 80W.

Hence the 230W is more suited to BIG cables etc that conduct heat away faster (or rather, at a greater rate... lol).

The smaller 80W is more suited to smaller electronics and wires.

And it will take a bit longer to melt those SMDs (Surface Mount Devices) (That's another lol).

i am an idiot

Platinum - Posts: 13,667

Joined: September 21, 2006

Location: Louisiana, United States

Posted: February 11, 2010 at 8:21 PM / IP Logged

If you are buying an electric iron, buy a Weller branded iron. There are several manufacturers of butane irons that are of very good quality. The Snap-On piece mentioned earlier is a very good piece of equipment.

monty_77

Copper - Posts: 491

Joined: January 15, 2009

Location: North Dakota, United States

Posted: February 12, 2010 at 12:32 AM / IP Logged

I like my weller's think their great.

i use the weller 8200 for most of my connections.

and the weller D550PK if i have a lot of heavy gauge wires

like them both.

Easy to get tips too radio shack, and sears have them. almost anyone has them

howie ll

Pot Metal - Posts: 16,466

Joined: January 09, 2007

Location: United Kingdom

Posted: February 12, 2010 at 3:39 AM / IP Logged

Weller gun the red one with illumination, plus a selection of Pyropens although even when using the correct butane, the Pyropens die,they just won't ignite. I've borrowed the Gascat unit that twelvoltz uses, it's still around freezing point here, we'll see how it goes.

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