yes thats right! a cold to the touch soldering iron

found on thinkgeek.com

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/69d3/

yeah, I see adverts for those on TV about every 20 minutes.

Any clue how well they work?

I'll be damned if that doesn't look really cool. If I knew how well it worked, it might be worth my 20 bucks...

now, if someone jsut posted were to get ahold of a trace pen....

I saw it in use on The Screen Savers a few days back, it can only handle wire above 18 gauge (about
fan wire size) which I think is rather lacking. Nice idea, but I'll stick with my old 'Mega 3' soldering gun.

I got one of these a few weeks ago and so far it's not the best of toys.
It works by conducting through porceline to super heat the porceline tip some how. It does melt sauder in about 10 seconds or less.
It is definatly good only for larger wire gauges as it's smallest tip is rather large.
I work as an audio guy and was excited to get this to do repairs on the go. It however seems to have a certain distaste for old sauder so isn't that good for repairs. It does handle new sauder and connections quite well.

That's about all, just thought I'd throw in my two cents.

Quote: Originally Posted by paige I got one of these a few weeks ago and so far it's not the best of toys. It works by conducting through porceline to super heat the porceline tip some how. It does melt sauder in about 10 seconds or less. It is definatly good only for larger wire gauges as it's smallest tip is rather large. I work as an audio guy and was excited to get this to do repairs on the go. It however seems to have a certain distaste for old sauder so isn't that good for repairs. It does handle new sauder and connections quite well. That's about all, just thought I'd throw in my two cents.

I do audio to, and for $17 you can get a butane powered weller portable iron that does XLS's great. Not sure about 12ga speaker wire though.

anyone know how those things compare to the iso-tip pro charge rechargeable irons?

Quote: Originally Posted by paige I got one of these a few weeks ago and so far it's not the best of toys. It works by conducting through porceline to super heat the porceline tip some how. It does melt sauder in about 10 seconds or less. It is definatly good only for larger wire gauges as it's smallest tip is rather large. I work as an audio guy and was excited to get this to do repairs on the go. It however seems to have a certain distaste for old sauder so isn't that good for repairs. It does handle new sauder and connections quite well. That's about all, just thought I'd throw in my two cents.

Yea, I have one also and it sucks pretty bad. Would be OK for the wiring in a PC and similar but thats about it. Its too damn slow.

If any of you are looking for a REALLY GOOD soldering station, spend another $15 and get this
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

I have one thats exactly like that only its a Hakko 936 and I paid over $100 for it. Then I found this one and was pissed cuz I could have gotten the EXACT same thing for $35. Awesome professional station with interchangeable tips, ceramic element and it heats up in less than 10 seconds,what a deal.

BTW Spec. Bob heres some links to the conductive pen
They are good for repairing/making traces that carry a very small amount of current. I wouldnt use it for anything over 1A.

http://www.web-tronics.com/2200-mtp.html
http://www.elexp.com/pro_3scp.htm
http://www.techbuys.net/cw2200mtp.html
http://shop.vetcosurplus.com/catalog...roducts_id=931
http://www.electroniccity.com/shoppi...23&brandinc=32

BTW Carbon, I have an Iso-Tip as well, and it sucks. Its WAY better than the Cold Heat but it still sucks as its only good for about 10 joints regardless of what they claim. I ended up taking it apart for the batteries if that says anything.

Quote: If any of you are looking for a REALLY GOOD soldering station, spend another $15 and get this

Had I only not bought that 200gig drive from you, I'd pick up that soldering station... maybe in a month or so. I've been looking for something to replace my Radioshack Iron for awhile. The tip is all mangled and it doesn't do a very good job on small deals. For small joints I end up using my dad's Wal-Mart soldering iron. 15 watts and a small tip is just what the doctor ordered.

(oh well, I'm happy with my purchase either way )

Quote: Originally Posted by paige I got one of these a few weeks ago and so far it's not the best of toys. It works by conducting through porceline to super heat the porceline tip some how. It does melt sauder in about 10 seconds or less. It is definatly good only for larger wire gauges as it's smallest tip is rather large. I work as an audio guy and was excited to get this to do repairs on the go. It however seems to have a certain distaste for old sauder so isn't that good for repairs. It does handle new sauder and connections quite well. That's about all, just thought I'd throw in my two cents.

I normally use 12gauge wire for my soldiering applications (radio control monster trucks). Think its worth the investment?

Quote: Originally Posted by H3LL5P4WN I normally use 12gauge wire for my soldiering applications (radio control monster trucks). Think its worth the investment?

NO, read my previous post

Quote: Originally Posted by Lunamods NO, read my previous post

I wasnt sure if you meant larger as in number, or actual size. Thanks though, I appreciate the info.

So it this a must for a tool box?