USB soldering fun

[minibutmany]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/249225636/solderdoodle-open-source-usb-rechargeable-solderin?ref=discovery
At first I was skeptical but it seems to work ok in the video.

[Bud]

For one's sake, who needs it? What a dumb waste of time... For tight spots there exist butane pencil soldering irons, smaller, more powerful and even work well outdoors.

[zapta]

Would be nice to have a micro usb connector so it can work with standard USB cables.

[marcan]

I have one of these in my backpack at all times, which I use with a portable USB battery:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-USB-Soldering-Iron-Soldering-pen-8w-5-volt-SI-8U-/261243937709

I was expecting it to be total garbage, but it turned out to be surprisingly usable. Heats up super fast, and more than enough for a quick hackjob on non-power circuitry. It's saved my ass a few times. The touch-sensitive button is finicky, and I did replace the retarded 3.5" jack in the back with a MiniUSB connector, but hey, it works.

Don't underestimate the convenience of having a small USB-powered soldering iron lying around. Even a crappy one can be a lifesaver.