Soldering iron upgrade question.....

[tangerine-jack]

I appear to need a new soldering iron as my trusty 220W gun finally bit the big one.  I have several of the pencil type irons, but I was wondering if anybody has any suggestions for a nice upgrade?  I do more than just Garden RR variety soldering; I also use it for my motorcycles and RC planes. 

Now, without regard to price or availability, if you could have any soldering rig currently on the market, what would you choose and why?  Thanks!

[gtrainman1]

Craftsman Solder Gun, 150/230 watt Sears item #00954046000 Mfr. model #54046

$29.99

[amotz]

Jack:

If you want to solder to track, go for the 400/150 gun from Sears (27320) which is actually the Wall Lenk LG400C.  Costs around $60.00 but designed for continuous use.

[gtrainman1]

I actually bought the 400/150 gun first and I didn't like the way it heated and returned it for the 230 watt gun. Just my personal preference. I've had the 230 for years now, just make sure you use a heavy copper tip and not an aluminium tip.

[tangerine-jack]

What's the continuous use ability for that gun?   Sometimes I do a lot of soldering for hours on end when I'm working on a project and I don't want the gun to burn out or melt.

What do you think about the Weller WD1001 soldering station?  Anybody use that thing before?  The advertising for it looks to be like what I need.

[gtrainman1]

What's the continuous use ability for that gun? 

 Well,

I'd say I use it commercially and heavy duty use soldering 2 gauge and up to lugs.

Weller is a good gun also, but I'm not familiar with that model (wd1001).

[ttrigg]

Thanks for asking this question TJ!  I'm close to being in the market for a soldering gun my self.  I am thinking about using the torch so much.