New butane soldering iron

[FigureItOut]

Has anyone noticed a new butane soldering iron come out in the last 6 months or so, under one or more brands?

One of our members who represents a popular manufacturer has alluded to it, and based on what he's said and my experience with their tools, I'd love to try it.

I've looked around and can't figure out who they're making it for. I understand they are not supposed to say, so I hope they don't mind me starting a thread inviting conjecture.

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[idahochevy]

My Snap-on dealer said that they were getting new butane torches due to the old ones having so many issues. I was looking to get one the other day but he didn't have one on his truck

 

[FigureItOut]

I've always used the Portasol that are also the ones that have been sold by Snapon for a while. I guess my issues with them lately aren't isolated.

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[Luciferi]

I have used a few different brand butane soldering irons. They all seem have problems. The usually last me 6 months before need replacing. The tips have a catalyst or something that makes them light and wears off. Once the tips is replaced the igniters seem to fail. They can't ignite if there is a slight breeze and don't like to ignite when cool outside. Plus it is hard to find good butane unless you have a snap on truck coming by.

I gave up on them a bought a corded hakko. It is so much better that dealing with cord is worth it. I only use the butane when absolutely nessecary.

If a new butane that actually works comes out, I might be convinced to go back. The new milwaukee m12 cordless looks interesting and I will probably buy one and try it out.

 

[signcrafter]

I have a weller butane one that is about 12 years old that works decent. Going to wait for the m12 one to come out and hopefully it will be all they say it is and I will pick one up. No gas to deal with, already have plenty of batteries, 20 second heat up time and stays hot with consistent heat according to milwaukee.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I use the PowerProbe butane soldering iron and haven't had any problems in the year I've had it. Typically use it more for heat shrink but still do some soldering with it. Got a cheap Radioshack corded iron for my guitar repairs. Hopefully getting the Milwaukee M12 cordless iron when that comes out.

 

[FigureItOut]

I'm definitely getting the M12 when it comes out, but I'd sure like to know where I can get the Astro iron.

On a side note, I may not really have had a problem with my Portasol after all. I discovered today that my new roll of solder is garbage. It behaves like my iron is too cold, I think it may be lead free. When i switched back to an old roll it flowed perfectly.

Frustrating because its the exact same Kester 44 I've always bought. If I can find a solid source of the good stuff I may just buy a lifetime supply before it's all gone.

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[CobraRed]

My Matco guy was showing me a few new butane soldering kits. Not sure how "new"