Winston wrote:

Donovan Digital wrote:
Thinking about picking up a cordless solder iron again - mostly for
audio cable work. Anyone have any suggestions? Weller or some other
brand? Gas or battery?

I'd really prefer battery. The smell of gas bothers me, so I hope
there's not really a significant power advantage to gas.

Thanks much in advance for any help

The first generation battery irons were just toys and did
not have the capacity to solder medium to large joints.


I used a first generation Wahl cordless iron daily on my bench, for
over a decade. I used a larger iron when needed, but over 90% of the
joints were fine with the cordless iron. Their 'TV Tuner extension tip'
was quite handy in places that a regular iron would destroy other
components or a wiring harness.

Along with the Wahl I had a Weller SP23, a Weller SP175, and for
field use I carried a Weller 8200 soldering gun. If none of them were
heavy enough, I pulled out a propane fired iron with a 3/4" wide chisel
tip. Since most of my repairs were on PC boards, the cordless was my
weapon of choice.


I assume they have improved because they could not have
gotten much worse.

I really like my Weller Portasol PSI-100K.

Beware though!

* It is a very unregulated source, so you will have to
adjust the heat somewhat hotter than you would with
an electric iron.

* Use good quality butane. The 'variety store' stuff
can cause your iron to sputter. 'Master Ultratane'
works very well for me.

* Don't send your iron in for warranty repair.
They will steal it instead of repair and return it.


Why would anyone in their right mind want to steal a defective
soldering iron?


--Winston


--
You can't have a sense of humor, if you have no sense.