This was a great video. I think that I'll be purchasing the hakko because as I was watching through I was interested in the gas powered one until you brought up the size of project you were doing and I thought nope, I want to make tiny things.
Great video Derek. I use my old Weller 101 that I've had for over 15 years and (touch wood) it's still working fine. About 4 years ago, I bought a second Weller 101 as a back up when I had a big commission to do. I was so disappointed in the quality of the new one and it didn't last long before burning out. Wellers definitely aren't what they used to be.
I have been using the Weller mainly. After 23 years, it finally went mental & burnt itself out…as well as the lead - I think the fixed temperature thermostat became defunct & it over-heats. I bought a new Weller last year. With the supply cable, I rigged up socket in the ceiling of my workshop, so that the cable doesn’t lay on the work. I have a gas torch too, which uses propane gas (red bottle) but I rarely use it, mainly as I don’t have many large window projects. Great video & as someone else suggested, would love a video tutorial on kilns & firing.
I used the Weller 100 for many years and was always happy with it. The handle never got hot but I've read that the Weller isn't the iron it used to be, that the quality has degraded. These days I use the Hakko 601 and it's brilliant. My solder lines are so much smoother. The only complaint I have is that the lead is too short and stiff. I would never have a gas iron, I would, without doubt, burn my house down 😟
Hi Rosie, yes the Weller irons don’t enjoy the best of reputations these days, due in most part to reliability issues. The Hakko is too small for my work, unfortunately.
I have a Weller and used to swear by it but it keeps cutting out now 🤨 so I took a punt at a £16 variable temp one from Amazon - the manufacturer would probably laugh at me if I told them I was using it for stained glass! It has a very small tip of 4mm but I now swear by it! Perfect for my small copper foil pieces. If I’m doing a larger piece then I get the Weller out but I love the fact I can drop the temp for mini lead work (eg hobby came) on the little one
Since you asked for inputs on what we use, I use a Weller SP80 (80 watt) plugged into a PRO soldering station with a dial that controls how much power goes to the iron itself, which provides a good control over temperature. I know a lot of people love their Hakkos but its small-scale electronics and very low wattage don't meet my needs. I rarely do large projects so the 100 watt Weller was overkill for me, and at 80 watts the SP80's handle doesn't get excessively hot like you report the 100-watt Weller's does. I'm intrigued by the gas iron because I'm an engineer by temperament and training, so I love unusual gadgets, and I may have to buy one of them just to play with.
I have one of the antex 100w irons with the temperature control unit, got mine from leadandlight, found it very useable as a beginner with the adjustable temperature
So good to see a gas iron in use these days. Thank you, Derek. If anyone is tempted then the manufacturer E. Partridge & Sons will sell you one for £125
I am trying to connect metal supports on a door to attached the stained glass to the door. Will soldering the metal supports to each other be strong enough to withstand the opening and shutting of a door? My question is: How strong are the joints you are making when you solder?
Hello When installing a leaded glass window into a door it is important to build in sufficient support for the panel, so it does not buckle or bow over time. This is usually done by adding horizontal support bars about 300mm apart ( 1 ft) which are fixed into the door at either side. The leaded panel has copper ties soldered to the window next to the support bars, and the copper ties are wound round the support bars to secure the panel to the bars. For additional support add safety glass on the outside face of the leaded glass window to give more support. Leaded panels suffer a lot of stress when a door is opened and closed many times, so think carefully about building in good support for the panel, or it will create problems later. Hope that helps.
@@DerekHuntArtist Thank you so much for your reply! I should have provided more context. I’m actually trying to repair our front door. 9 years ago we had an glass expert installed this stained glass. He did like you said and there are 2 metal supports about 1ft apart. The problem is that each of those supports have separated from the glass. It appears they were soldered in place. But I’m not sure. I’m going to try to solder the supports back on. How do you recommend the metal supports get fixed on at either side? Is connecting two pieces of metal a different method than the soldering techniques you show in your videos?
@@surenza yes, soldering two different metals together can be problematic if they are not compatible metals, and you need the right flux to make them stick together. The supporting bars get fixed into the door, usually by drilling holes in the door and sliding the bars into place.
I use a Weller soldering iron, too much flammable stuff in my sea container to work with a gas iron and besides my projects are fairly small. I have outlet attached to the side of my worktable so no extension cord needed.
I hear ya! My preferred iron is my gas one, it’s fast and very controllable. However it’s very convenient to use something like a Hakko for smaller quick projects. 🙂
This was a great video. I think that I'll be purchasing the hakko because as I was watching through I was interested in the gas powered one until you brought up the size of project you were doing and I thought nope, I want to make tiny things.
So glad you liked the video - I made it for you ! 🙏🙂
I bought two Haako and one fell apart and one BAD cold spots terrible
Thank you! Very useful video. Information is great for begginers 😊
Thanks for watching!🙂
Great video Derek. I use my old Weller 101 that I've had for over 15 years and (touch wood) it's still working fine. About 4 years ago, I bought a second Weller 101 as a back up when I had a big commission to do. I was so disappointed in the quality of the new one and it didn't last long before burning out. Wellers definitely aren't what they used to be.
Yeah, I’ve heard that from a few people that the new Wellers aren’t as good these days 😕
Muchas gracias, ha sido de mucha utilidad ver los pro y los contras.
Saludos
Gracias 🙏
Very interesting. The Weller 100 is my go-to but my American Beauty 250 W (with variac) …ouf… she’s my girl ! Rebars and large leads … bring them on !
Cool! I use my gas iron for the big stuff! The Weller or the Hakko are great for smaller scale pieces
@@DerekHuntArtist In America, gas soldering is pretty rare :)
@@ikust007 pity, they are very good for fast volume work
@@DerekHuntArtist agrée . And much lighter (!) than the American beauty
very professional and very clear explanation about the subject in the video
Thank you 🙏🙂
Thankyou very much for your time and effort in making this informative video.
Xx
You’re very welcome!🙏🙂
I have been using the Weller mainly. After 23 years, it finally went mental & burnt itself out…as well as the lead - I think the fixed temperature thermostat became defunct & it over-heats. I bought a new Weller last year. With the supply cable, I rigged up socket in the ceiling of my workshop, so that the cable doesn’t lay on the work. I have a gas torch too, which uses propane gas (red bottle) but I rarely use it, mainly as I don’t have many large window projects. Great video & as someone else
suggested, would love a video tutorial on kilns & firing.
Thanks for your feed back “special lion”. Good idea about a ceiling socket for the iron :)
I used the Weller 100 for many years and was always happy with it. The handle never got hot but I've read that the Weller isn't the iron it used to be, that the quality has degraded. These days I use the Hakko 601 and it's brilliant. My solder lines are so much smoother. The only complaint I have is that the lead is too short and stiff. I would never have a gas iron, I would, without doubt, burn my house down 😟
Hi Rosie, yes the Weller irons don’t enjoy the best of reputations these days, due in most part to reliability issues. The Hakko is too small for my work, unfortunately.
Excellent video as always, really enjoy watching them.Had my gas iron for over 35 years. It's like an old friend... never lets me down. 👍😊
Yes, the gas iron it a favourite of mine too!👍🏼🙂
I have a Weller and used to swear by it but it keeps cutting out now 🤨 so I took a punt at a £16 variable temp one from Amazon - the manufacturer would probably laugh at me if I told them I was using it for stained glass! It has a very small tip of 4mm but I now swear by it! Perfect for my small copper foil pieces. If I’m doing a larger piece then I get the Weller out but I love the fact I can drop the temp for mini lead work (eg hobby came) on the little one
Awesome!
Since you asked for inputs on what we use, I use a Weller SP80 (80 watt) plugged into a PRO soldering station with a dial that controls how much power goes to the iron itself, which provides a good control over temperature. I know a lot of people love their Hakkos but its small-scale electronics and very low wattage don't meet my needs. I rarely do large projects so the 100 watt Weller was overkill for me, and at 80 watts the SP80's handle doesn't get excessively hot like you report the 100-watt Weller's does. I'm intrigued by the gas iron because I'm an engineer by temperament and training, so I love unusual gadgets, and I may have to buy one of them just to play with.
Great review thanks! I would definitely encourage you to experiment with a gas iron. It’s so good for speed and easy to use - fire hazard aside! 😁
The Hakko may be low wattage but it's ceramic technology means it can better the SP80 in all respects.
I have been enjoying your videos and tutorials. Thank you.
Thank you !🙏🙂
I have one of the antex 100w irons with the temperature control unit, got mine from leadandlight, found it very useable as a beginner with the adjustable temperature
Haven’t seen an Antex iron yet, will have a look out to see what they’re like. :)
great advice Derek- Would you consider doing a tutorial on using a kiln at some future date -
Yes of course, thanks for the suggestion Ernest ! :)
@@DerekHuntArtist Would love to know how to properly fire reusche paints and silver stains etc
@@ernestpimlott have a look at my other videos which cover firing of silver stains and paints.
So good to see a gas iron in use these days. Thank you, Derek. If anyone is tempted then the manufacturer E. Partridge & Sons will sell you one for £125
Ooo! Do you have link to these suppliers ?
@@DerekHuntArtist I do but it won't let me include links. I'll send them another way 👍
I like my weller very informative
Glad to hear that Nadine !🙏🙂
I am trying to connect metal supports on a door to attached the stained glass to the door. Will soldering the metal supports to each other be strong enough to withstand the opening and shutting of a door? My question is: How strong are the joints you are making when you solder?
Hello
When installing a leaded glass window into a door it is important to build in sufficient support for the panel, so it does not buckle or bow over time. This is usually done by adding horizontal support bars about 300mm apart ( 1 ft) which are fixed into the door at either side. The leaded panel has copper ties soldered to the window next to the support bars, and the copper ties are wound round the support bars to secure the panel to the bars. For additional support add safety glass on the outside face of the leaded glass window to give more support. Leaded panels suffer a lot of stress when a door is opened and closed many times, so think carefully about building in good support for the panel, or it will create problems later. Hope that helps.
@@DerekHuntArtist Thank you so much for your reply! I should have provided more context. I’m actually trying to repair our front door. 9 years ago we had an glass expert installed this stained glass. He did like you said and there are 2 metal supports about 1ft apart. The problem is that each of those supports have separated from the glass. It appears they were soldered in place. But I’m not sure. I’m going to try to solder the supports back on. How do you recommend the metal supports get fixed on at either side? Is connecting two pieces of metal a different method than the soldering techniques you show in your videos?
@@surenza yes, soldering two different metals together can be problematic if they are not compatible metals, and you need the right flux to make them stick together. The supporting bars get fixed into the door, usually by drilling holes in the door and sliding the bars into place.
Otro vídeo muy interesante, una duda, pasas un cepillo por encima de la soldadura? Gracias
I brush the solder joint with flux paste before soldering. I brush the tip with a damp sponge to keep it clean
@@DerekHuntArtist Thank you so much, I didńt explain it well, I saw that you brush the welding point after welding with a metal brush ?
Yes, I cleaned the tallow flux off the solder weld with a metal brush to clean up the joint.
@@DerekHuntArtist thank you so much
You're very welcome!@@felisarequena
I use a Weller soldering iron, too much flammable stuff in my sea container to work with a gas iron and besides my projects are fairly small. I have outlet attached to the side of my worktable so no extension cord needed.
Excellent Fernando! My sockets are miles away!🤣
Great video
Thanks!☺️
Visit my Amazon shop for a wide range of tools and materials www.amazon.co.uk/shop/derekhuntartist
Horses for courses, methinks?
For sure!🙂
Donde puedo comprar el de gas ?
Saludos
I am in the UK and I buy my bottles gas from a garage.
Great video as always Derek 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
You are a star Derek ! Thank you
Wow, thanks!
I have the Hakko and I've never liked it's performance
I hear ya! My preferred iron is my gas one, it’s fast and very controllable. However it’s very convenient to use something like a Hakko for smaller quick projects. 🙂
ERSA PTC70 Soldering iron with temperature control seems interesting even if I haven't used it much yet
Ill have a look out for that one ☝️