My old gun is dying, I want to get something that will be hot enough within 5-10 seconds not minutes for wiring 20-12 ga wiring. Any comments on the "cold" ones advertsied on TV or good traditional iron? Thanks Patrick

I haven't tried one, but I read a thread about them on another site. Basically, everybody there said they are junk. It makes sense. You can't solder with cold. You need heat. Get a good Weller soldering gun. They heat up in seconds when you pull the trigger, and they get hot enough to solder. I've seen them up to around 300 watts for heavy soldering if you need it. Old technology always works better than the new.

A friend had a new one that he had never used so I tried to solder with it but it was JUNK not even worth the effort to throw it in the trash.

You confirmed my suspicion. Luckily the drawer I throw all the birthday and Christmas gift "tools" (the one size fits all wrenches, magic stripped nut removers, etc.) in is full so everyone thinks I don't need anymore.

I just got done epoxying the case back together on my vintage 1970's weller soldering gun and I've been very happy with it through the years (except the somewhat easily breakable housing).
The one I have is similiar to the 8200 model and it too has the dual posts coming out of it. I have been able to find different tips at the local hardware store to smooth, cut, and melt together plastic also.
It's also nice having the small light in the front to illuminate the work area.
Mine heats up quickly for easily doing 14 gauge or smaller but takes a little while to heat up larger wires. I have done up to 10 gauge without problems and can, in a pinch, do 8 gauge but it takes a while to heat up the joint. Anything larger I use a Mapp gas torch to solder on crimp ends.

Jim

don't buy one.. I gave up on it. anyone what to buy one for shipping cost and a $1

These people sell the BIG Weller guns in addition to the good old 8200.
http://www.action-electronics.com/weguns.htm

Your local hardware stores probably have them too if you need one in a hurry.

Nowdays, the plugin style electric soldering guns are becomming a thing of the past. The nice soldering irons out now use butane and fire up much more quickly and cool much more quickly too. I use a Master Appliance brand Ultratorch. No flame, thats just what the model name is called. There are small torches on the market that also work great too but sometimes a pain to use compaired to an iron. The torch I use is a Power Probe brand. I personally have one of each. It works so slick I wouldnt consider an electric iron ever again.

For electric irons Weller is a nice gun and do work great.

The cold solder guns do work but they are a hassle in thier own way. Sure you won't burn your self but you have to put the tip on it perfectly, the tips are fragile, and it doesn't work in all situations. I believe they were marketed for the average home user doing little things here and there. In case you don't know it works but running electrical curent through the tip which heats it up but also requires a bigger tip. They are only good for larger things where you can get the tip on it, any important electronic things need a good old fashoned one.

Total JUNK!! Don't waste your money. Go buy yourself a real soldering gun.

got one and what bzack said is correct. The tip is big and its not good for small things. It also doesnt go back to cold instantly, ask me how I know, I figured id try it like the commercial and I got a burn on my finger.

Nowdays, the plugin style electric soldering guns are becomming a thing of the past. The nice soldering irons out now use butane and fire up much more quickly and cool much more quickly too.

I have a Weller Portasol setting on my desk as we speak.We work on elevators and are in places where using a corded tool is impractical and or impossible.

Fits in your pocket, uses butane, and is ready in aprox 10-15 seconds. It is a very practical piece of equipment and doesn't cost very much. It measures .875 in dia, and is 6.9375 long with the cap on. absolutely perfect for 20-12ga wire.


Rocky

I have a Weller Portasol setting on my desk as we speak.We work on elevators and are in places where using a corded tool is impractical and or impossible.

Fits in your pocket, uses butane, and is ready in aprox 10-15 seconds. It is a very practical piece of equipment and doesn't cost very much. It measures .875 in dia, and is 6.9375 long with the cap on. absolutely perfect for 20-12ga wire.


Rocky

That sounds like the ticket. I use mine about twice a year but am going to have a major wiring project this winter on the 59. I really like the cordless aspect. Thanks everyone else for the input, I just knew it was too good to be true . Patrick

Hello,

Recently bought a Butane soldering iron at Lowes home improvement store. Works great. It is not an open flame. The flame heats behind a metal tip.

Cordless aspect is nice. You need to be careful as it does have a flame burning inside, and of course the tip is hot.

Have used it on light soldering jobs thus far........very pleased.

Happy Holidays, Joe

A friend had a new one that he had never used so I tried to solder with it but it was JUNK not even worth the effort to throw it in the trash.

I actually pulled one OUT of the trash. After researching and reading the instructions ... it works great. The downside it its intended for a maximum wire size of 18 gauge. I wish it were the higher end model (which, I would be tempted to buy). The biggest problem with it is the contact tips are fragile (and expensive).

Bought one of those "Cold Heat" things based on a TV infomecial. Came with free wire strippers that broke the second time I used them, and I've yet to be able to solder anything with the thing. In my oppinion -- junk!

I have a Mac tools butane soldering iron. They work great! I would never go back to the electric soldering irons. They cool down quick, and heat up quick. I use mine all the time. The only problem I had with it is using the wrong fuel. Instead of using the convenience store butane I use the master appliance fuel. I was having problems with the orfice clogging, the master appliance fuel is supposed to burn cleaner. You can also take the orfice out and soak it in solvent to clean it.
Good luck.

i have one buried in a drawer somewhere, i use a bernzomatic trigger igniter mini torch from home depot, it also has an iron tip that slips on, been my favorite for years...i was at harbor freight store a few days ago and saw this 180 watt (or whatever) for 6 bucks, i couldnt resist, damned if the thing doesnt work like a champ, hotter, faster than any other plug in gun ive had, including the two wellers i have now

I use a Metcal SP200. It's not the top of the line as far as Metcal is concerned, but I've done everything thing with it, including battery lugs. You get what you pay for, and I happen to use this model at work as well (electronic engineering department).
http://www.okinternational.com/product_soldering/sp200

I've got a Weller Portasol too, but I never use it. Butane is a PITA, and no matter what anyone says it doesn't beat a Metcal ready to go in under 10 seconds.