I was wondering what models you guys like
for portable butane soldering irons.
I would like somthing delicate enogh to
work on SM components but gnarley enough
to solder a PL259 in the wind.
Does such a beast exist?
J.B. AD6WX
Butane Soldering
Moderator: Queue Moderator
I have the portasol SuperPro and like it a lot. For a long time it was my primary soldering iron. After 10 years, the piezo start is sometimes a little iffy though. Halfway decent regulation.
SMD is pushing it unless you count simply removing SMD parts from PCBs using the hot air attachment. That it will do with good control (and practice) without damage to PCBs.
Black plastic, polished stainless steel tank protector, looks like a little light saber when its tip protector is on. hahaha
73s
Tom
SMD is pushing it unless you count simply removing SMD parts from PCBs using the hot air attachment. That it will do with good control (and practice) without damage to PCBs.
Black plastic, polished stainless steel tank protector, looks like a little light saber when its tip protector is on. hahaha
73s
Tom
-
Blitzbug2u
- Posts: 129
- Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2001 4:00 pm
butaine on SM comp.--
For surface mount,I would recommend the WM-120--a 12 watt iron by Weller, if you have to use an iron. The hot air tip on their butaine would probably suffice as well. Lay off the caffeine--unless that makes you shake more--Blitz.
Last edited by Blitzbug2u on Wed Mar 03, 2004 3:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
We've been using WPA-2's by Weller for a number of years. My only complaint is that the lighter eventually acts up, but its still the best of all the ones we have tried.
Just remember that in the cold of winter time, the gas doesn't vapourize as fast, hence that gives a bit of trouble.
And as far as soldering up the tower goes, it doesn't take much wind to suck the heat away!
Just remember that in the cold of winter time, the gas doesn't vapourize as fast, hence that gives a bit of trouble.
And as far as soldering up the tower goes, it doesn't take much wind to suck the heat away!
I use the self igniting butane "Master Appliance Ultratorch Model UT-100SI".
http://www.masterappliance.com/selfign.html
It's on the larger size but it has a nice butane reserve. Mine came with a solder tip, heat shrink shield and flameless heat tip. It sure makes an easy job of terminating braided solder shields (Raychem types) on Aircraft wiring harnesses.
Let me also say before using in a confined area be sure it's safe. Fumes fuels and other chemicals and a torch don't mix.
It is nice to be able to solder up a quick connector or whatever and not have to worry about finding an extension cord.
On the negative side my coworkers Ultratorch went out after a year or so and it got very difficult to start. I think these are very sensitive to being dropped with the Piezo igniter being so delicate so treat it gently.I also find it to be on the hot side for PC component soldering and I never use mine above the "1" setting for that.
I have yet to experiment on SMC components but this post has me wondering. Maybe I will pull out an old cell phone PC board I have here and give it a try.
Eddie
N4UMJ
http://www.masterappliance.com/selfign.html
It's on the larger size but it has a nice butane reserve. Mine came with a solder tip, heat shrink shield and flameless heat tip. It sure makes an easy job of terminating braided solder shields (Raychem types) on Aircraft wiring harnesses.
Let me also say before using in a confined area be sure it's safe. Fumes fuels and other chemicals and a torch don't mix.
It is nice to be able to solder up a quick connector or whatever and not have to worry about finding an extension cord.
On the negative side my coworkers Ultratorch went out after a year or so and it got very difficult to start. I think these are very sensitive to being dropped with the Piezo igniter being so delicate so treat it gently.I also find it to be on the hot side for PC component soldering and I never use mine above the "1" setting for that.
I have yet to experiment on SMC components but this post has me wondering. Maybe I will pull out an old cell phone PC board I have here and give it a try.
Eddie
N4UMJ
I use(d) the Ultratorch also and loved it. The built-in igniter would light the tool in the winter with the wind blowing within a few seconds. I used this to repair Guardwire Fence Sensor cable in all types of weather where I had to solder the splice together and then use heat shrink to seal the splice.
I will agree though, it doesn't like to be dropped if the cover is off.
I will agree though, it doesn't like to be dropped if the cover is off.