There are a number of times when I have had to solder heavier gauge wires. i.e. 10 gauge. When I use my existing irons they really do not generate enough heat for the solder to flow as it should. What kind or models of soldering guns (or techniques) do others use?

make sure you are using flux, then just use a blow torch on the solder. Make sure if you are using a vise to hold the wire that the vise isn't connected to the metal of the wire, because it will absorb the heat. Clamp it down with the insulation.

i wont' come out clean looking as it will "char" the terminal. Also hold it at an angle so the insulation doesn't melt

Well a blow torch is an idea but i am working in confined spaces
with no bench. I often have to sit on my tool box lay the materials on the garage floor (next to the wooden walls) and solder. A torch could be used but I wondered if there was a way that was more controlled.

A bigger soldering iron is what you need.

Look at Lowe's/HD for the "gun type" soldering irons.

Yea, Use a heavy duty iron. I use a 260w gun to do all my soldering. i can even go up to 4ga wire, and solder it properly.
Shane
www.paranoidfabrications.com

Ok thanks for the input. i will try a higher wattage gun.

I have a small butane fueled soldering iron/torch that works GREAT!!! It can be used as a torch or it has a regular soldering tip.
It's a BenzOmatic ST1100TS and cost ~$25.

Of course it cannot be used anywhere oepn flame or sparks would be prohibited.. but it gets hot enough that it would laugh at 10 gauge wire...and I've soldered 2gauge cable with it using it as a torch.

Originally posted by Uncle Scotty
I have a small butane fueled soldering iron/torch that works GREAT!!! It can be used as a torch or it has a regular soldering tip.
It's a BenzOmatic ST1100TS and cost ~$25.

Of course it cannot be used anywhere oepn flame or sparks would be prohibited.. but it gets hot enough that it would laugh at 10 gauge wire...and I've soldered 2gauge cable with it using it as a torch.

same one i use. its great, and the refil is like 3 bucks from lowels

I got a 5.82oz. can of Ronson "Ultra Butane fuel" for $2.57 at the local WinnDixie supermarket...I think the price was in the computer wrong...:D That re-fill should last the next year or three:D

i guess no body like my torch idea. i'm full of "ghetto rigging" ideas

i had problems with the torch burning the wire jacketing. thats why i use a heavy duty solding gun to do all my work.
Shane
www.paranoidfabrications.com

i guess no body like my torch idea
Well there's a lot to be said for it. After all I use a torch for other things. It's a common item so refills are easy to find and no doubt it would do the trick. It is just my working conditions while wiring would make it difficult. Which leads me to ask this question about butane soldering guns. Is the flame confined and can it be directed? For example would it be usable for under the dash work (given a reasonable amount of clear space)

I wouldn't introduce a flame into any confined space like that.

I use my wife's "Creme Brulet" butane torch for soldering heavy guage wire all of the time though. I also use it for bending acrylic, since it is small and relatively controlable. The flame height is adjustable, but the heat tends to spread quickly. When tinning heavy insulated wire, I use a clip-on heat sink and protect the insulation with a short length of pipe.

Originally posted by brunetmj
Well there's a lot to be said for it. After all I use a torch for other things. It's a common item so refills are easy to find and no doubt it would do the trick. It is just my working conditions while wiring would make it difficult. Which leads me to ask this question about butane soldering guns. Is the flame confined and can it be directed? For example would it be usable for under the dash work (given a reasonable amount of clear space)

The torch I have has a catalytic tip which goes over the regular torch tip and is just like a regular soldering iron tip which does indeed contain the flame...the flame is actually extinguished when the soldering tip is used....the damn thing is REALLY cool for whatever ya got...only thing is that it cannot be used in an openflame/spark prohibited area. It fits in your pocket, too(when cool that is:D )
I can take a pic if ya want...