I'd like to say that this was the closest sub-forum I could think of when posting this so sorry if it's in the wrong one...

I've been thinking about this simply because its cheap, works well(father in law has one) and it's completely portable. plus I wouldn't be using it a lot so that should wear and tear down. thoughts and or experience with this?? I forgot to get the exact model and specs of it.

 

I prefer a corded weller of decent wattage. I have a butane one at work but it only works well for very thin gauge wire and the exhaust hole on the side of the tip causes you to melt stuff you don't want to if you're not paying attention. Like plastic interior panels.

 

well I don't plan on soldering inside my car (I'm sure I will eventually lol) but for like speakers and extending wires of the nature does it work fine?

 

I bought the benzomatic kit you pictured in your first post for myself and a friend.

I have never used the benzomatic even though I have it, I prefer using my corded Weller. My friend has used the benzomatic and says it works; but, just okay.

I would recommended getting a corded Weller of at least 35 watts.

 

I have the benzomatic kit you posted a picture of as well. It is horrible, it barely stays lit when using the torch alone, with the soldering tip in forget about it.

Any $10 pencil iron will work fine, if you solder all the time the weller soldering stations are pretty badass but not necessary.

Another thing I do a lot is use a torch, obviously this will not work if you are soldering on a PC board but for butt connections of wires it works excellent.

 

Those type of irons just never get hot enough from my experience

 

thank you guys for the input! I will do some more research but keep these posts on mind.

 

I bought the Weller p2c butane torch off of amazon for 35 or so. It works well. Its ready to go in about 40 seconds and gets plenty hot. It has built in striker as well.

 

Metcal

 

I never really liked the butane soldering irons. I'd recommend a basic Weller plug-in iron unless you absolutely need the portability of a butane iron.

 

As with anything related to tools, you generally get what you pay for.

 

My blue point solder iron cost me 150 bucks 9 years ago.

If you need it to last and can think ahead spend the money.

That being said the gas you put in it really makes a difference.

 

If you must have a butane unit, I have used a "portasol" branded unit for years and have soldered a lot over the years. You must use a quality fuel for the unit to work well. Most of the time I use a weller iron.
Regards
Dave

 

Butane a are a nice to have thing but I wouldn't want one for my main iron. I picked up one of the Hakkos from Amazon a couple of years ago, couldn't be happier:

 

The Hakko is excellent. Ive used the older version that had a **** instead of the push buttons.

There are a lot of damn decent, chinese soldering stations out there now.

 

get a iroda http://www.pro-iroda.com/pro180.htm
i have it and its the best gas soldering iron i had, heats up in seconds,