[R-390] Suggestions for better soldering iron or techniques?

[Barry]

A while ago, I posted a need for some tips for a pencil-style soldering iron and a generous list member sent me a few replacements (thanks Foster!).

While I received some friendly comments regarding the use of a "wood burning tool" for soldering, I still use this iron and it works well for the most part; however, I'm trying to solder some things for which this iron is not working well.

The item (an older Marantz solid-state stereo amplifier) has some somewhat larger soldering posts to which the interconnecting cables were soldered and I'm in the process of reassembling it and reconnecting these cables; however, the shielded cables are rather small and the insulation is not very heat resistant so this is presenting some challenges for me.

I managed to solder a couple of these with a larger-tipped, and quite hot, iron; however, that isn't working as well as I'd like due to the excessive heat.  My thinking (again) was to hit this with an iron with sufficient mass so as not to cool the tip too easily and to get on and off the joint as quickly as possible; however, I'm still seeing some melting of the small diameter insulation that I'm not happy about.

I'm considering staying with the large tip and reducing the heat (with my variable transformer).  If I do this, I think the likelihood of melting the insulation should be reduced but with a cooler iron, it would mean having to stay on the post longer so that may not work either.

Any suggestions on 1) a different method or 2) a better soldering iron?  I realize this is probably an age-old question and it's more technique than anything but this particular situation is frustrating me just a bit so thought I'd reach out for some advice.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ