6 best glass soldering iron

A glass soldering iron, also known as a glass soldering tool or glass soldering pen, is a specialized tool used in the field of stained glass artistry and glassworking. It is specifically designed for soldering or joining pieces of glass together, typically in the creation of stained glass windows, glass jewelry, or other decorative glass items. Here are the key aspects of a glass soldering iron:

  1. Purpose:

    • Glass soldering irons are primarily used to join separate pieces of glass together by melting solder (usually a lead-tin alloy) along the seams, creating a strong bond.
  2. Temperature Control:

    • These tools are designed to operate at controlled temperatures, typically in the range of 600 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit (315 to 480 degrees Celsius). The precise temperature control is crucial for achieving the desired soldering results without damaging the glass.
  3. Design and Construction:

    • Glass soldering irons are typically slender and lightweight to allow for precise and detailed work on the glass surface.
    • They feature a pointed or flat tip made of a heat-resistant material, such as stainless steel or copper, which is used to apply heat to the solder.
    • Some models come with interchangeable tips for different soldering techniques and projects.
  4. Power Source:

    • Glass soldering irons can be powered by electricity, using a heating element to generate the required heat. Some models are corded, while others are cordless and run on rechargeable batteries.
  5. Soldering Technique:

    • When using a glass soldering iron, the glassworker applies flux to the seam between the glass pieces to ensure a clean solder joint.
    • The soldering iron is then heated to the appropriate temperature, and the molten solder is applied along the seam, creating a strong bond as it cools and solidifies.
    • Careful control of heat and solder flow is essential to achieve neat and aesthetically pleasing soldered seams.
  6. Safety Considerations:

    • Safety precautions are vital when working with glass soldering irons.This includes using appropriate eye protection and ensuring proper ventilation, as fumes from soldering can be harmful.
    • Adequate workspace organization is essential to prevent accidental burns and to maintain a clean work environment.
  7. Maintenance:

    • Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the soldering iron's tip and ensuring it remains in good working condition, is necessary to achieve consistent soldering results.

Glass soldering irons are indispensable tools for artisans and craftspeople who work with glass, particularly in stained glass projects. They enable precise and controlled soldering, allowing for the creation of intricate and beautiful glass art pieces. Proper technique and safety measures are essential when using these tools to achieve high-quality results while protecting the glassworker and the work environment.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best glass soldering iron on the market
  

Weller WLC200 80 Watt Hobby and Stained Glass Soldering Station

Weller

Based on 430 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Weller designed the WLC200 from the ground-up to deliver a complete and simple process for soldering, especially for stained glass projects. This soldering station combines adjustable, powerful heat with ease-of-use features to handle any consumer soldering project.

From the Manufacturer

Weller's stained glass 80-Watt soldering station. Includes an 80-Watt soldering iron that is lightweight with a cushioned foam grip. Soldering iron also has a replaceable 3/8-Inch iron tip. In addition, the unit comes with a soldering station that includes a safety guard iron holder, sponge tip cleaning pad, On/Off switch with "power-on" indicator light and a variable power control from 5 to 80-Watt.

  • Adjustable power range from 5 watts to 80 watts provides the variable, controlled temperature needed for a range of hobbyist jobs
  • Includes station base, SPG80 lightweight pencil soldering iron ideal for midsize work, 3/8” chisel tip, pencil iron holder, and cleaning sponge
  • The fully removable soldering iron and replaceable heating element let you upgrade or customize your station
  • Produces up to 900° F of controllable, reliable heat fast and recovers that heat quickly to keep your workflow efficient
  • Comes with 3/8” Chisel Tip (MTG20) and compatible with the MTG21 1/4" chisel tip and MTG22 .375” cone tip Weller pencil soldering iron tips
  • Sponge built into the base unit can be used to keep tip clean and extend the part’s life

User questions & answers

Question: Can I get a fine point tip for the 80-watt station to do fine electronics work
Answer: this welding tool will take 15 seconds to heat up
Question: Can i use this for circuit boards? Is it stained glass only
Answer: Sorry cant be used for fixing Metal Jewelry. Most soldering irons or guns are used for soldering electrical wires together, which requires less heat. The Max temperature of our solder iron toll is 842 Fahrenheit, dont get hot eought to melt large jewelry metals.
Question: What is the temp range? I want to melt Alumaloy rods that melts at
Answer: My hubby bought it but honestly it’s a bit small- better for a woman
Question: what size tip comes with the unit
Answer: DSW, The Shoe Dept, Lyst, Tredsey, Nike Outlets...just to name a few

Product features

Adjustable Temperature Range

The 5 watt to 80 watt range of adjustable temperature heats the iron quickly and recovers that heat again after use, speeding up your workflow and making the long wait for a heating iron a thing of the past.

Complete Soldering Station and Quality Pencil Soldering Iron

This station comes complete with every accessory needed for a hobbyist’s mid-sized soldering needs; the Weller SPG80 lightweight pencil iron, a replaceable 3/8” chisel tip, an iron holder, and a cleaning sponge.

Reliable Chisel Tip and Replacement Tip Compatibility

The 3/8” Chisel tip that comes with this set is designed for stained glass applications and can be easily replaced. All Weller soldering tips are made from a copper core with iron, nickel, and chromium plating to protect against corrosion.

Performs a Range of Jobs

This station’s variable temperature can be set as low or high as the job requires, letting you solder a wide range of applications including stained glass, home electronics, jewelry, and hobby models.

Hakko FX601-02 Adjustable Temperature Controlled Soldering Iron, 67 Watts

Hakko

Based on 626 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Hakko FX601-02 is the next generation of variable temperature-controlled soldering irons. It is ideal for soldering applications that require mobility or a long reach, such as soldering solar panels, etc. The extremely lightweight, ergonomic handpiece allows you to solder for long periods of time without hand fatigue. The soldering iron also features a convenient temperature adjustment dial in the handpiece that allows the user to select their optimal soldering temperature, and the advanced electronic controls and efficient ceramic heater provide accuracy and stability that rival older Hakko stick irons.

User questions & answers

Question: Any seller that sends to Mexico
Answer: Yes.... go to HakkoUSA.com lookup FX 601 and under accessories there are two types available. This model plus one with a sponge.
Question: can anyone tell me what size tip is included? Thanks
Answer: It holds my TS100 with no issues. Very pleased with this purchase.
Question: Is the shank diameter of the replaceable tip 6.5mm (i.e. Hakko 900M compatible, i.e. the one with good replacement options
Answer: Not sure...cause i have a hakko 936..but it should.
Question: What temp for stained glass, copper foil
Answer: A good chisel tip is perfect for through hole work. However, they can sometimes be too large for smaller component surface mount (SMT) work. I use the curved tips mainly for SMT work. However, they can work for through-hole as well with a little practice. Hope this helps. - Trenton

Weller W100PG Weller Farenheit Heavy Duty Soldering Iron with CT6F7 Tip, 100 Watt, 700 Degree

Weller

Based on 568 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Weller W100PG heavy duty soldering iron is perfect for DIY or professional jobs. The 3 standard tips provide a range of Fahrenheit temperatures meant for any job with quick efficiency. Ultra-portable, the soldering iron allows you to move from workspace-to-workspace without skipping a beat.

  • Safe - the soldering iron uses industry leading Weller closed-loop method of controlling maximum tip temperature to protect yourself and your workstation from over temperature and is ul and cul listed
  • Temperature - the soldering iron temperature is controlled by 3 different tips including 600 degrees Fahrenheit, 700 degrees Fahrenheit, and 800 degrees Fahrenheit ensuring you can complete any job
  • Efficient - standard heat up time for the 700 degree Fahrenheit tip is a quick 110 seconds with its nichrome wound heating element allowing you to get more work done in a shorter amount of time
  • Portable - the soldering iron uses a portable line voltage iron meaning not base is required allowing you more freedom
  • Money back guarantee - if, for whatever reason, you are not 100 percent satisfied with your purchase just return the device and we will refund your purchase

User questions & answers

Question: What is the difference between this iron and the weller w100p-3? looked at the specs for both and can't seem to find any difference except for price
Answer: Hi Carolyn S.,The W100PG has a 2-wire grounding and the W100P3 has a 3-wire grounding.
Question: Is this compatible with the inland mini phaser
Answer: No. This temp controller documentation says: "Use with any non tip-controlled irons". W100PG is a tip controlled iron @ 700F. 600F and 800F tips are also available. The phaser is not necessary....use thedifferent tips for more control. Liz Renee, Glass Artist and Director of Nartique Glass, Casselberry, FL
Question: How do i change the tip on this iron
Answer: Make sure the iron is off and unplugged first of all. The end where the soldering tip is held unscrews and you change the tip that way
Question: What power source does this soldering iron use? 110volts or 220volts
Answer: 110: this is a good soldering iron, is doing the job for me just beginning stained glass projects, but has no temperature control on it. My next one will have one. Have fun with your craft!

Beileshi 2.5X 7.5X 10X LED Light Helping Hands Magnifier Soldering Station,Magnifying Glass Stand with Auxiliary Clamp and Alligator Clips

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • 【Multiple Magnification Lens】 3 kinds of interchangeable magnifying lens: 2.5X 90mm (diameter), 7.5X 34mm, 10X 34mm.Useful auxiliary tool in soldering and modelling field.
  • 【Convenient and Comfortable To Use】Desktop magnifier with led light. Distance and angle of lights can be adjusted freely,what's more, the support clamps and alligator clips are adjustable ,so you can feel more convenient and comfortable when you use it.
  • 【Humanization Design】Desktop magnifier with led light, an independent bright illuminating light with 5pcs of LEDs is installed on flexible metal tube, distance and angle of lights can be adjusted freely.It can be used as a desk lamp.
  • 【Powered By】Power supply by external adapter or 3 * AA batteries (Not Included).
  • 【Application Range】Hand Lens Close Work include Soldering PCB’s, Macro Photography, Craftsmanship Engraving, Electric Circuit Board Repairs, Building Models, Hobby Arts & Crafts Projects, Painting Miniatures, Splinter removal, Needlepoint Work, Sawing Applications, Diamond/Jewelry Cleaning & much more.

User questions & answers

Question: Will this stand hold XLR cable ends for repair or is the holding clips too small
Answer: Yes they can as these bulbs are standard incandescent, so polarity is not an issue. That said I would wire in parallel and not series so that if one burns out you don't loss the whole light, just the bulb.
Question: Can it be handheld
Answer: If a 12v supply, then no. Otherwise, for higher voltages, you will need appropriate dropping resistors of adequate power. As with any incandescent bulb, brightness will be affected by voltage, and so will bulb life. I haven't tried on lower voltages, but I would think anything down to 9v should work satisfactorily.
Question: Just to be clear does this unit comes with a USA standard electrical outlet plug
Answer: Watched a YouTube video by a guy with more than a hundred lights on his indoor G scale layout. I followed his recommendation and purchased a 12volt 6 amp transformer for $16. It’s a type used for charging things. 6 amps will light 72 bulbs.
Question: US power adapter included
Answer: As long as it is a 12v power supply,the bulb will work well.

Product features

Beileshi 2.5X 7.5X 10X LED Light Helping Hands Magnifier Station,Magnifying Glass Stand with Clamp and Alligator Clips

Useful magnifier with interchangeable magnifying lens and illuminating led lights, it can be widely applied to electronic welding, modelling, stamp collecting, embroidery, antiques, biological observation, reading, etc.

The support clamps and alligator clips are adjustable. Ideal tool when third hand is required. The base surface is padded with steel sheet to increase base weight and reinforce stability. Powered by external power adapter of 3 * AA batteries (not included).

Read Maps
Integrated Circuit
Watch Repair
Model Painting
Alligator Clips

The Alligator clips can be adjusted freely, so you can feel more convenient and comfortable when you use it.

Magnifying Lens

3 kinds of magnifying lens: 2.5X, 7.5X, 10X. Useful auxiliary tool in soldering and modelling field.

LED Illumination

An bright with 5 LED illuminating light is installed on flexible metal tube, distance and angle of lights can be adjusted freely. So it can be used as a desk lamp.

External Power & Battery Holder

Input 110-240V 50/60Hz, Output: DC 4.8V 250mA also can powered by 3 * AA Battery (Not Included)

Choice 100 Watt Stained Glass Soldering Iron and Rheostat

choice

Based on 50 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Choice soldering iron and a Choice rheostat temperature controller combo package is a great choice for a beginner or experienced stained glass or soldered art artist. The iron will heat up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit and with the addition of the rheostat consistent tip heat can be maintained while soldering. The iron has a 1/4 inch chisel tip and it operates on 120V. The Choice rheostat regulates the flow of current into a soldering iron to maintain a consistent tip temperature. Maximum wattage up to 400 watts and a 3 prong receptacle facilitates use with most soldering irons.

  • 100 watt soldering iron with a 1/4 chisel tip
  • Iron will heat up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Rheostat regulates flow of current into the soldering iron to control temperature
  • Rheostat case can be attached to a work surface if desired

User questions & answers

Question: Is the tip on the exchangeable with other tips
Answer: It is not interchangeable with my old Weller tips. Can't speak to other models of irons
Question: Can I buy other tips for this iron
Answer: I do not know. You can file and shape the standard tip. Check with the manufacture for options.
Question: are there larger tips available for purchase, doing stained glass. What size would i need for this iron
Answer: I have no idea where or if you can buy larger tips for this iron. I recently bought it for my stained glass work and I love it! It works well with the tip that comes with it.

Vcedas LED Light Helping Hands Magnifier Tool for Soldering Station Magnifying Glass Stand with Clamp and Alligator Clips 3.5X,12X for Hobby (Black)

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

How to Use

Step 1:Install the battery first (not included)

Step 2:Clamp the object you need to observe with alligator clips

Step 3:Turn on the LED lights, use a magnifying glass to observe or repair your objects

 

Feature:

Product Description:

Product Magnification:3.5X,12X

Material: Metal

Power Source: 3 x AAA Batteries(Not Included)

Range of Use:

Electronic,welding,modelling,stamp,collecting,embroidery,antiques, biological observation,reading etc.

 

Package Contents:

1x LED light magnifying glass

 

Precautions:

1. Iron holder It is fixed and cannot be moved to the left.

2. All parts are tightened with screws. Please make sure the screws are tightened before working.

3. Using manual tools can be dangerous. Be careful and away from children, and always wear protective glasses in the work area

4. Do not expose the magnifying glass to the sun, and do not point the magnifying glass at your eyes, so as not to burn your eyes.

  • High-quality Materials: The outer frame of the 3.5X, 12X led light helping hands magnifier station is made of high-quality plastic, and the magnifying glass is made of 6cm thick acrylic glass. The pillar of the magnifying glass is made of stainless steel, which is durable and not easy to rust.
  • Lighting Design: The lighting equipment is under the head of the magnifying glass and connected together for your convenience. There are 2 LED lights, which are bright enough and have a wide radiation range. The alligator clip can be removed and used as a separate LED magnifying glass.
  • Using Batteries: Magnifying glass stand with clamp and alligator clips uses three AA batteries (the product does not include batteries), so you can work anytime and anywhere without being restricted by power cords and plugs, and can be easily moved using batteries.
  • Removable Adjustment Bracket: The Magnifying glass station has a small vise, which can be easily removed and installed. When you do not need to use it, you can remove it without hindering your work. Two detachable small vises can fix objects for you so that you can concentrate on your work.
  • Wide Range of Applications: the simple magnifying glass desktop stand is suitable for different occasions, such as repairing electronics, model making, observation, identification of valuables such as jewelry, porcelain, etc. It is very suitable as a gift to men such as husband, father, younger brother, etc.

User questions & answers

Question: What size of tip? 3/8 or 1/4 inch
Answer: 1/4
Question: what type of tip is in the weller soldering iron ? may i talk to some one about this soldering iron
Answer: This soldering iron is useful for small projects like stained glass or electrical repairs. I prefer a temperature regulator control on mine.
Question: Can you change the tipon this iron
Answer: You can change the tip.
Question: How do you control the temperature
Answer: I have an 80 watt Weller and for my work, I don't need to adjust the temp. But I do have a temperature controller in case I did want to. You buy it separately and the soldering iron plugs into it and it plugs into the power outlet. You can then adjust the contoller to adjust the temperature down.
Question: Are there additional tips available for the spg80l for more intricate work
Answer: Does come with two tips, a 3/8 diameter and a 1/4 inch diameter but I don't know how intricate the work you can do with that.
Question: what is the voltage for this iron
Answer: Pretty sure - 80 watts. Oh, sorry on the voltage. 110.
Question: How hot does the iron get
Answer: It hot ok for 80 watt soldering iron. I have been using it for more than a 2 years and it works ok. Good quality. If you need too hot because you going to use it with bigger pieces then you should get 100 or 120 watts
Question: Ad is a little confusing...does it come with two size tips
Answer: Mine has only one tip.

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