When working with stained glass, you will become fast friends with your soldering iron. There is a night and day difference when using a good soldering iron versus a bad one. Good ones help get the job done right and faster whereas bad ones take a long time to heat up or do not maintain their heat for long periods.
No matter what your experience or budget is, there is a soldering iron that is right for you. With all the options out on the market that come with different specifications, it might be overwhelming for a first-time buyer. Therefore, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on features to look out for when buying a stained glass soldering iron.
Wattage
The watts on a soldering iron refer to the electrical power needed for the iron to reach and hold the correct temperature. As you can probably guess, the higher the number, the more powerful and effective the soldering iron will be. However, this does not limit the heat that a soldering iron can produce.
As mentioned above, irons with higher watts are more powerful. This essentially means that it will be able to heat up to the optimal temperature faster as well as maintain this temperature consistently. It is generally recommended to buy a soldering iron with the highest wattage that your budget allows. Bear in mind, however, that stained glass soldering irons tend to fall into three different categories when it comes to power output.
If you are just starting with smaller projects, you should consider anything between 60-100 watts. Since you are working on smaller projects that don’t require extensive soldering, this is a viable option. While they are of lower power, this does not necessarily mean that they are bad. Be sure not to dip below the 60-watt mark to avoid frustration and disappointment. Anything below this number will not have the required power to work with stained glass.
The next tier is anything under 200 watts. Stained glass soldering irons at this level are ideal for those who are more experienced and are working on small to medium projects that require more use and consistent heat.
Soldering irons with power ratings that exceed 200 watts are generally considered to be higher-end models. These are good for all skill levels and projects, but what sets these apart from the rest are how quickly these models will heat up and how well they maintain their temperatures.
Handles
Soldering irons tend to have a simple design referred to as in-line, meaning that this is like a screwdriver with a heating element attached at the end. Most people use these without issue, as they are easy to use with an intuitive design. If you happen to have hand injuries or joint issues, it might be a good idea to consider a hatchet design. The heating element protrudes from the handle at a right angle, which can help alleviate stress and strain.
Max Temperature
All soldering irons need to reach 700 Fahrenheit (300 Celsius) to perform optimally. While the maximum operating temperature is important to consider, the wattage dictates how fast it will reach its hottest.
Element Type
There are two kinds of heating elements that are used in stained glass soldering irons – wire-wrapped and ceramic. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, so this is one of the most important attributes to consider when picking a soldering iron to suit your needs.
As the name suggests, wire-wrapped models have a wire wrapped around a point that acts as a heating element. This style is the more traditional type of soldering iron that you will come across. The main benefit of using a wire-wrapped soldering iron is that it will maintain a constant temperature for longer. It might take some time to heat up, but these are great for large pieces that require soldering for longer periods.
Ceramic models are characterized by their ceramic heating element. Because of the material used, they are fast to heat up but this also means that they lose their temperature very quickly. While they are a great choice, they are more suited for smaller projects that may not require too much soldering.
Tips
There are several types of tips to use on your soldering iron but the most common one is the chisel head. They are used by both beginners and advanced artists alike. As you become more experienced, however, you may want to explore different styles and types that will suit your needs.
Accessories
There are a few accessories that we highly recommend that you explore. They are generally inexpensive but can be hugely beneficial to artists of all levels.
A soldering iron stand is a great addition to any workspace. Make sure that you place the soldering iron in the right place and store it properly. This is not only for aesthetic purposes but for general safety as well.
For your soldering iron to work optimally and efficiently, you should maintain and clean it regularly. Get a tip cleaning brass wire to gently remove debris from the heating element to keep it working at its best.
A protective mat to cover your workspace is also a good idea. This helps protect your working surface and also allows you to clean up more easily.
Price
Soldering irons range in prices and can start from as low as $50 to as much as $300. Keep in mind that these are one of your more expensive tools. It is generally a good idea to get a model with the highest wattage that your budget will allow.
With many different factors at play, we hope to have cleared up any confusion or questions that you may have while looking for a stained glass soldering iron. Just remember that you don’t need to break the bank to get a good soldering iron. No matter your budget, there is always one that will fit your needs to complete your project.
