Cool Monster Soldering Iron

[smallcarguy]

This monster soldering iron was included in a bucket of tools I bought. I have no use for it, so I’ll probably try to sell it on ebay, or maybe in the classified section here.

But I don’t know if these are even desirable to anybody. Maybe for something like lead glass repair? It’s a massive 150w iron, nice wooden handle, and a solid copper tip that’s ½” thick, the whole thing weighs almost 1 ½ lbs. Holy cow this thing heats like it’s the surface of the sun. Made by Vulcan Electric. The Jackson model, whatever that is.

Maybe I should just hang on to it, it’s a pretty neat piece. But, I just can’t imagine what I would ever use it for. Anybody else have one like it? If so, what do you use it for?


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<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bvq4PTdrZvw/TjM8UGNZrDI/AAAAAAAADj0/QgH9mPf-0z0/s800/IMG_0342.JPG" height="600" width="800" />
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xB9jbWzQi8c/TjM8S_BttHI/AAAAAAAADjs/5oEuuJnwA5c/s800/IMG_0344.JPG" height="600" width="800" />
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P-BlDDTM4Cg/TjM8SgjhjxI/AAAAAAAADjo/_08onu-xioA/s800/IMG_0345.JPG" height="600" width="800" />

 

[Danglerb]

Its for work like a tin smith, joining sheets etc. mechanical as opposed to electrical work.

 

[Alchymist]

Have one similar to that - use it for soldering lugs on heavy gauge wire, like 6, 4, 2 gauge, etc. Beats an open flame, and smaller soldering irons won't do it. Plus is works great on tin.

 

[BQuicksilver]

I would think a smaller 150W iron would be hotter. That said I find soldering 2-6 ga stuff difficult even with a 250W gun.

 

[Alchymist]

Problem with the guns is lack of thermal mass. Note the big heavy tip on the one I use:

http://www.tequipment.net/WellerSP120.html?gclid=CL6v4sHqp6oCFQw75QodCGb3Xw

When that big tip gets hot, and it takes a few minutes, it can transfer a lot of heat quickly, something a small gun tip can't do.

 

[smallcarguy]

ahh heavy gauge wire... that makes sense.. I didn't even think about soldering lugs on #4 or even #2. I've never done that work, but when I've been exposed to it at the BDFBs in telco central offices, its always been crimped...

 

[Stuart in MN]

I have a similar one as well, works well for big wires.

 

[Tool Pants]

That's a little one. Look at the tip in my hand.

 

[srmofo]

jesus tool pants, are you compensating for something? lol

 

[smallcarguy]

That's a little one. Look at the tip in my hand.

HOLY ****! That thing may be the true cause of global warming!

 

[TozziWelding]

Great for sheet metal patches too.

 

[les_garten]

That's a little one. Look at the tip in my hand.

I'm not sure I have enough solder to even TIN that *****!

 

[2oolhound]

My motorcycle has a wire mesh filter built into the 1 1/4" alloy oil drain plug that is held in place by a thin wire circlip. Because of the delicate location (in crankcase) the circlip must be soldered into position. That's the tool for the job. I've also used it with solder to fill corroded surfaces on small hard to find antique parts.

 

[Tool Pants]

Here is the prior posts for my 550 watt American Beauty.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43362&highlight=beauty

It is big. Something from the olden days. Puts out a lot of heat.

 

[Danglerb]

Once you work with a big iron the practicality is obvious. Solder flows instantly with a touch even on large items, which means you can work FAST, as in production.

American Beauty is available on amazon right now, still a real and often used product.

OTOH I wouldn't use it on electrical, big current needs a crimp.

 

[Alchymist]

OTOH I wouldn't use it on electrical, big current needs a crimp.

Solder is fine on hi current. Problem people get into is not using heavy enough lugs or wire for the current - wire heats, melts solder. Have done 500 amps with lugs and solder with no problems. But the lugs were heavy, and the wire humongous.