Might want to check and see if the nuts that hold the tip in the iron are tight this will cause the tip not to heat.

Another vote for the Hakko FX888. We also have some of their cordless FX901's at work. They run off 4 AA batteries and work well for small jobs.

I have a Hakko FX888D that I will heartily recommend.

I actually bought the Yihua 936 when mine station went out. Although it is not the big name brand, it does exactly what I need it to do. It heats up fast and has gotten really good reviews. For the home hobby user, it fit my needs, especially for the price!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/936B-...8:g:N98AAOSwH2VaGNGS

What would be a good power range for soldering on large battery cable ends?

I had a crappy no-name one. Got tired of it and got a Hakko FX888D. I am much, much happier now. No regrets buying it.

- Bret

quote:

Originally posted by armored:
What would be a good power range for soldering on large battery cable ends?

Those are typically crimped with a hydraulic crimper. A cold weld is formed in the strands and solder is not needed.

Everyone,

Thank you for your input and suggestions.

I didn't try tightening anything up since the handle and case got hot enough to throw it on the concrete garage floor in order to avoid a burn. Before that happened the tip had not heated enough to use it with soldering 2 lighter weight metals.

I'm off to the hardware stores tomorrow to handle the suggestions in person.

All of you know ergonomics are very important. Will it feel like a 1911, Glock, S&W Coke Bottle Grips, etc.? Will it be Tactica-cool?

Buy a used Metcal. You will be very happy with it.