[TowerTalk] Butane soldering iron recommendations?

[Mike Smith VE9AA]

 Thank you Drew and everyone else that replied.

I looked at a number of the recommended butane irons you all mentioned to me. 

Some are not available in Canada or have temp sold out and so in the end I decided on a Weller/(Portasol)
"Weller PSI100K Super-Pro Self-Igniting Cordless Butane Soldering Iron Kit" from Amazon.ca for
a whopping $219.  I hope it lasts, (I've never paid $219 for a soldering iron) but surely it has to be better than the $34.50 one I got from Lee Valley Tools a few years ago.
IIRC I paid $29.95 for it back then, hi hi

Some had mentioned thermal mass, especially in the ccccold or wind, and this model seemed to have a rather large tip included (as well as what I'd call a "normal sized" tip),. so hope that helps. It claims to be the rough equivalent of a 125watt iron.

As a matter of interest, 15minutes ago I used my "killawatt" measuring device to see how many watts my dual range (100w/140w) Weller gun was using.  The answer is 81watts and 101watts. (disappointing!)

I appreciate all the info, stories, advice and what-have-you.

I may post one follow up once I have had a chance to try it.  There are already frost warnings in various parts of my Province.  Certainly a foreign concept to some, hi hi!


73 - Cheers

Mike VE9 Antenna Antenna


Hi Mike,

I absolutely love my butane Iroda SolderPro 180.  Perfect combination of power 
and size.  It can handle small wires, but has enough power for PL259 shells 
outside in the wind. About $120 on Amazon.  Easy to use up the tower also.

73,
Drew K3PA

Mike, Coreen & Corey
Keswick Ridge, NB

-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Johnson [mailto:gwj at me.com] 
Sent: September 21, 2023 1:16 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com; ve9aa at nbnet.nb.ca
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Butane soldering iron recommendations?

Weller WLBU75. Simply a wonderful butane soldering iron. Heats in seconds and doesn’t overheat. Adjustable. I use it regularly when splicing #10 wire and it feels equivalent to my 200W gun when turned up to max. Has a nice cap that safely covers the business end when you’re done, and I slip it right back into my toolbelt. Full kit is $76 at Amazon.

Gary NA6O=