Soldering irons

**Utemad** · 9th August 2012, 10:12 AM

Hi all,

What soldering irons are people using for auto electrics?

I have a Portasol Super Pro gas soldering iron from Jaycar. About 10 years old and no longer works properly. Had it for work originally but has only had hobby use the last 8 years or so.

I've been looking for a Weller electric soldering iron but can't find anyone who sells the good quality ones.
Was thinking the W60PD3 with a chisel tip if you can get it in Oz.
I want something quality not Bunnings junk. Even Haymans and Ideal Electrical only sold same type as Bunnings.

So what do you use and who sells quality soldering irons?

http://www.apexhandtools.com/brands/...%20Iron%20Kits

**iPom** · 9th August 2012, 10:32 AM

Until recently I worked in the electrical/mechanical fit out of power boats. I used the Weller Portasol Super Pro and can't recommend it highly enough. I went through a couple in about 4 years of heavy daily use. They are not cheap at around $140 but for ease of use and portability you can't beat them.

Dave

Tombie · 9th August 2012, 10:48 AM

I've had great success with the following:

2000 VersaTip

For more electronic work, I use a Re-Work station.

**clubagreenie** · 9th August 2012, 11:19 AM

I have 3 Irons, 15w, 25w & 40w (all from Jaycar). The higher two are the Duratech orange units, the 15w is a goot (that's not listed any more, tey have a 46w for $80-). Have lasted years now, all tips are available from Jaycar and I keep a few spares in different shapes etc. All up was <$100-, at current pricing as a comparison, for a 25w $13-95 & 40w $18-95.

The Goot station is good value at $299-.

**splinter** · 9th August 2012, 11:34 AM

If you're just soldering wires grab an 80w, that way you can un-plug it and still use it to get to those awkward places.

**Utemad** · 9th August 2012, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by iPom

Until recently I worked in the electrical/mechanical fit out of power boats. I used the Weller Portasol Super Pro and can't recommend it highly enough. I went through a couple in about 4 years of heavy daily use. They are not cheap at around $140 but for ease of use and portability you can't beat them.

Dave

This one?
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TS1318
That is what I have now. Didn't realise Weller made them in that case.
The Dremel one Tombie mentioned sounds essentially the same.

I agree you get what you pay for usually. However a good quality electric should outlast a good quality gas unit by a big margin.
I'm sure I'll get another gas one sometime though as they are so handy. Just expensive.

**Utemad** · 9th August 2012, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by clubagreenie

I have 3 Irons, 15w, 25w & 40w (all from Jaycar). The higher two are the Duratech orange units, the 15w is a goot (that's not listed any more, tey have a 46w for $80-). Have lasted years now, all tips are available from Jaycar and I keep a few spares in different shapes etc. All up was <$100-, at current pricing as a comparison, for a 25w $13-95 & 40w $18-95.

The Goot station is good value at $299-.

I've never seen Goot stuff before but Jaycar talks them up on their website. Worth a look but a bit low powered for what I was after.

**Utemad** · 9th August 2012, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by Tombie

I've had great success with the following:

2000 VersaTip

For more electronic work, I use a Re-Work station.

Google says half the price of the Portasol but I've never seen them in a shop.
Where did you buy yours?

**clubagreenie** · 9th August 2012, 01:00 PM

My 25w Goot is as useful as the 40w Jaycar unit, difference is the tip size and longevity of the retained heat.

**iPom** · 9th August 2012, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by Utemad

This one?
<Portasol> Pro Piezo Gas Soldering Tool Kit - Jaycar Electronics
That is what I have now. Didn't realise Weller made them in that case.
The Dremel one Tombie mentioned sounds essentially the same.

I agree you get what you pay for usually. However a good quality electric should outlast a good quality gas unit by a big margin.
I'm sure I'll get another gas one sometime though as they are so handy. Just expensive.

No, mine came in a different case. Mine is rated up to 125W and has a 4.8mm tip as well as a 2.4 and the rope cutter, heat shield, blow tip etc.

I agree that a 240V will probably last longer, the ignition generally fails on the gas irons. It still works although I have to light the flame with a ciggie lighter. In general with any iron it is the tips that fail first. Keeping them tinned and clean with a damp cloth or sponge is the way.

I reckon you just can't beat the portability of gas irons. If I had lots of bench work to solder I would use a 240V as Tombie as suggested.
Dave

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