Need a new gas soldering iron...

[amlu]

My trusty iroda solderpro 70 is dying. 4 years on the road, mainly used for soldering larger wires in electrician trade, now leaking off gas from the adjusting valve and igniting itself on fire.
Christmas shopping for new one, bit of budget to spend for something that will last.
Same soldepro70?
Iroda 100/120, higher model? (bit too bulky for my liking)
Portasol? (i never used one before)
anything else?

[David Hess]

I used a Weller Pyropen for many years until the sight glass broke; I should have been storing it inside a hard case when not in use.  I think Master Appliance is the OEM.

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/weller/soldering/cordless-soldering-irons/butane-soldering-irons/wpa2-pyropen-pro-self-igniting-cordless-butane-solder-iron-60w-482-to-932degreef-wpa2weller.htm
https://www.masterappliance.com/products/heat-tool-products-butane-products/ultratorch-butane-powered-soldering-iron-heat-t/

[IanB]

I own and like a Portasol iron.

[Ian.M]

+1 for Portasol.  I've had one for years, (decades actually) and it still works well and holds gas well in storage.  N.B. The bit + integrated catalytic burner is a consumable item, and as with any gas iron, contamination and mechanical shock can kill the catalyst.

[BBBbbb]

another +1 for Portasol

[sotos]

Same here +1 Portasol. I have 3, working perfect.

[Kilrah]

Happy with Portasol as well, although it hasn't seen much use since I got a TS100.

[bd139]

I've got a T12 I added a 24V boost converter to so I can use it portable with a 12V SLA:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/cheap-t12-clone-soldering-stations/msg1839191/#msg1839191

These tend to not explode on you (like my portasol did once) or destroy everything. Also lasts about 9 hours on a charge!  I'm using it to work on antennas outside.

[Fraser]

+1 for Portasol. I own at least three and plenty of tips as I would not wish to be without one for some exterior jobs away from convenient power.

Modern decent quality Li-Ion powered electric soldering irons may be an alternative these days though. I tried several 'old technology' 2.4V Ni-Mh battery soldering irons, some from very reputable makers .... all were a disappointment.

Fraser

[2N3055]

I have Weler Pyropen (non piezo) for 15+years. Had to change filter once because of dirty gas. I got free replacement.
Since then, going strong. It is running pretty hot, and on a cold day you have to charge it or heat it up before starting.
But it is great out there...
Most of the use is heat shrinking these days. I solder only if I can't take it with me...