54 year soldering iron.

terry · 2008-11-03T01:28:26+00:00

Modifying/repairing some fluorescent fixtures recently decided to usesoldered connections and heat shrink tubing to minimise the bulkinessof the 'wire nuts' usually used.Having not too long ago added some 230 volt outlets to the work benchto accommodate some 230 volt items brought back from the Middle East,dug out the 65 watt Weller soldering iron acquired back around the mid1950s (probably in Liverpool?) and since its plug had already beenmodified to the appropriate NEMA (North American ElectricalManufacturers) 230 volt type, plugged it in.It worked beautifully. Not only that but its 'rubber' wire/cord isstill fully flexible and pliable without nicks or cracks. Unlike muchmore recent plastic wired devices (and extension cords) which haveinsulation which has dried out, lost its plasticizers and cracked.Also have a 25 watt soldering iron although had to replace the moreplasticky wire on that some time ago. At 230 volts 25 watts is onlyabout one tenth of an amp anyway!In the intervening years have occasionally used these irons from a 115to 230 volt step up transformer. Which also occasionally powered aWolf electric drill bought on Paradise Street, Liverpool, in 1953 andhas helped in the construction and wiring of two homes.A testament to when quality meant something?

Nov 03, 2008 23 Replies

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Dave Plowman (News) 17 years ago

Yup - after an Antex anything else seems clunky.

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Mike Tomlinson 17 years ago

In article , snipped-for-privacy@care2.com writes

You've clearly not soldered with modern-day solder. It rots the bit away in no time.

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Graham. 17 years ago

Years ago I was doing a field call in a betting shop but my iron packed up. So I took the faulty unit out to my car and used the cigarette lighter as an iron.

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meow2222 17 years ago

Is it so hard to wipe the bit on a sponge?

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