[HomeBrew] Torch recommendation

[n1khb at aol.com]

Hi Loren,
The question as you posed it is hard to answer. You've asked for a 
small torch for unknown tasks, but here is what I've found. Weller 
makes a very nice butane soldering iron. Depending on what attachments 
you get with it or purchase afterwards, it will do several things. Mine 
came a couple of conventional soldering tips, and a heat blower. All of 
these are "flameless" - that is, they get hot by catalytic combustion 
like a pocket hand warmer. Additionally, it has an open flame torch. 
All attachments are of screw-in variety. Shop around as they vary in 
price, but places to start are the usual electronics distributors and 
the marine suppliers.
If your need is for a flame only, then go to Walmart and look at the 
one they have in the tool section. It has a soldering tip that doesn't 
look very capable as well as an open flame tip. This unit sells for 
<$20. The Weller will set you back around $60 last time I looked. I 
have a good quality bench soldering station, but I love my butane 
portable iron. Like all cordless tools, even if you have the corded 
version, the cordless is the one you'll grab first. And my butane unit 
solders things when it's cold and windy out. A consideration for wire 
antenna construction/repairs in the winter.

Joe N1KHB
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