portable soldering torch

[gettinthere]

Heading up the mast to do some VHF connector soldering.
I have a berzomatic pencil type torch that doesnt work for poo.

Looking for recommendations on a good small portable butane torch.

Thanks

 

[mitiempo]

West Marine and many other marine stores have the Ancor torch

 

[Brian D]

Think about the amount of lost heat you will experience before deciding on what to use. I know this may sound weird, but I much prefer to have a 100 watt iron with me and the power cord tied to my belt. Yeah, a little too much maybe but if there is not enough heat to melt the solder you will cause more harm than good by having a poor solder joint. You might want to look at possibly using crimp-on or maybe compression type connectors if you can find them.

 

[shemandr]

Electricity is a luxury. A lot of times when doing these things we don't have it. So, we'd like this tool or approach but end up using another.
The West marine "Torch" is a glorified lighter. There are small butane torches which have adjustable flame heat and focus and are refillable. Can't give a source but I've used them to solder (Mainesail don't cringe) with good results. And fast - not wondering if it's getting hot or not.

 

[JohnShannon]

http://www.portasol.com/products_sc_r2.asp?sC_ID=114

for electronics

 

[sneakypete]

I always use irons for soldering, but those portable torches are great for melting the ends of lines in a any kind of wind.

 

[Brian D]

What about installing (temporarily) an inverter so you have AC. That might help, at least, so you can do a decent job.

 

[gettinthere]

I have a genset. But I'd like to avoid hauling an AC cord up the mast. Plus managing a hot soldering iron up there seems tricky.

 

[Roadking Larry]

I can't see where it would be any trickier to handle a portable torch. Still got something very hot in your hand. Sure the extension cord would take some management but something like a good Weller gun with 100/150 watt will give you plenty of reliable heat to do the job quickly. My old ones are labled as drawing 2.1 amps.

 

[gettinthere]

The elect4ic solder gun needs to heat up so there is more time waiting for that. Then it will take longer to cool off while aloft.
If the electric is the only choice, fine. But if a small torch will make the job easier then I would like to choose that option.
Choice is good, right?

 

[Brian D]

Cooling the tip is as easy as also having a small wet towel with you. You need to clean the tip anyway so you can do it up there. Not trying to discourage you from finding a small gas operated soldering iron, just trying to give other potential solutions.

Maybe a Weller battery power iron?
http://www.amazon.com/Weller-BP860MP-Battery-Powered-Soldering-Colors/dp/B000S63P9E

added - this might be what you are looking for. Refills easily with butane lighter gas
http://www.amazon.com/Portasol-010589330-Super-125-Watt-Heat/dp/B003H6NN2Q/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_d_1

SBO also has one in the Store (currently out of stock - Ask Phil about it): http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?12744

 

[dziedzicmj]

Maybe a Weller battery power iron?
http://www.amazon.com/Weller-BP860MP-Battery-Powered-Soldering-Colors/dp/B000S63P9E

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?12744

I have one of those and YMMV. It works, but I would not count on it to generate enough heat for a quick solder up the mast (assuming some wind). Not to mention that it requires a good 30 s time to warm up (and you have to hold the button all the time).