Anyone Use a Butane Soldering Iron?
 

I've been looking into butane cordless soldering irons. Between quick heat up time and ability to use in or outdoors without power I think it's the way to go for me. It seems like a few guys use them but I couldn't find much on which ones. I've been looking at a couple Wellers because my corded Weller treats me well but I know there are other brands out there. Any suggestions? Also what's a good size tip that'll be versatile at the track?

I have one its alright, i forgot what kind it is. The biggest disadvantage is the fact that its soldering power is half or quarter of a 40watt iron. The tip takes time to heat up and re heat so you solder jobs have to be quick.

I've Iroda SolderPro 120 as backup ==> http://www.pro-iroda.com/pro120.htm

Changed the tip to chisel for better soldering. The only problem with it (or any iroda i guess) is the butane valve which needs regular cleaning; else it clogs up

How in the world you clean the valve KoE ? :)

I use the same irons as KoE.

Because you can vary them and change the tip in a few seconds, just make sure you get a 70W at least.
Better to be too big than too small!

Make sure you keep a butane can on you as well, always come close to running out just when you need it :rolleyes:

Skiddins

I have the one radioshack sells, it works pretty well, but the downside is the heat escapes from the vents near the tip, and it can damage plastics and wire casing if it gets too close (without touching).

Cordless..
 

I have tried a few different Cordless Irons this summer (outdoor offroad) and I have to tell you there are many disadvantages compared to a wired iron. Definately the biggest is that whatever wattage is stated eg. 40W, 60W is about half due to the weather... unless you have a 100% perfect day with no wind what so ever then maybe it will actually function properly, but because of the wind it is really hard to do much with it and it takes a long time. I have to refill at least 2-3 times a day.

After a while I would just run an extension cord and use a regular iron...

My .02c... :nod:

If he buys a 120W equivalent then, he should be set for any eventuality.

Skiddins

Guy has one that uses deans connectors, Seems to work good

solderpro 120 can really pump out good heat, coupled with big chisel tip it does the job quite well. But it can't beat good electric solders, that's why i keep it as backup.

motor spray...thinner...just about any solvent i can get hold on to :smile:

I've never used the Solderpro one but it looks like a good one. Most of the self igniting ones are hot enough to use. The 2 best I have found are the Weller PSI100C(K) http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/we...ps/psi100c.htm and the Ultratorch http://www.tessco.com/products/displ...60&eventPage=1

The Ultratorch has 2 advantages, it's hotter and the wide tip is wider. Hoever it is extremely finicky on using good quality butane.

The Weller is plenty hot enough and works well both indoors and outdoors. I find it to be a better alternative to the Ultratorch even though it isn't as hot because it works well with just about any fuel and is less expensive.

Sounds like you tried out the inexpensive ones...yes this is very true of those and they burn out tips like you wouldn't believe. However the more expensive ones work very well and will last you years if properly maintained.

I use a Snap-on butane soldering iron at work and have used it to Solder batteries and the wiring on my RC cars w/o too many issues as long as I use the right tip.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog


Yes, I know it's snap-on so it's probably dearer than the others but it does do a good job and most dealers will do warranty w/o any questions if anything does go wrong.

snap-on all the way you cant go wrong

I have a Weller Pyropen. It is their "industrial" model butane iron. It works good for wires etc. Batteries might be tough tho. Here is a link:

http://shop.willyselectronics.com/br...tml?source=inh

Yankey