Best Soldering Irons For Stained Glass Work – Reviews in 2022

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Stained glass work is a pretty old form of art. Even in modern times, the beautiful looks of colorful artistic glasses are relevant. Stained glasses are pieces that people use lead to solder with each other. You can find many types of soldering tools to do the job. Note that for different stained glass projects, you may need small, mid, or heavy-duty soldering irons.

We have arranged a list that consists of some of the best soldering iron on the market in 2022. Our research was mostly about how the irons can control temp, their power, and body shapes. Let’s give them a look-

Best Stained Glass Soldering Irons 2022 Reviews

1. Weller WLC200 Hobby and Stained-Glass Soldering Station

Making it easier to purchase your required soldering station, the Weller WLC200 Hobby and Stained Glass Soldering Station are available at an affordable price. Combine that with the epic temperature control and power output it provides, and your work will be smoother than ever.

Weller tried to make this item suitable for different ranges of works. For that, they made the iron power adjustable from 5 to 80 watts. So, you can go for any hobbyist or stained glass work that you want. This machine is adaptable as you can upgrade it by replacing the old parts of the iron. You will get amazing thermal control once you start the work.

The maximum heat output it can offer is 900-degree F. It also has a quick cool-down. The iron is not the only part, but there is also a station base. With a pencil-sized handle that has a soft grip, you can have a comfortable worktime.

Along with the iron, the package will include a 3/8 inches chisel tip and a holder. For the cleaning need, there is also a sponge. We highly recommend this soldering iron for your mid-range stained glass projects.

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2. YIHUA 939D+ Digital Soldering Station

Next on our list is not just a soldering iron but a complete system of soldering tools. The YIHUA 939D+ Digital Soldering Station has many features necessary for removing all the issues from your soldering work. Its parts are understandable even by a novice.

The first thing to notice on this soldering station is the control panel. Properly organized, the panel has a digital screen for the temp display that can show both F or C units. There is a large knob for the adjustment of the temp. You can keep the temp between 392 to 896-degree F. Since we need the safest item possible, Weller didn’t add any lead.

As a power output, your stained glass work can get 75 watts of power from the iron. It also has a low heating time. Because of the internal auto temperature-control system, the machine can keep the heat steady for accurate outcomes. Every part of the station is so durable.

This machine is an automatic soldering station. Hence, it can sense the status of the handle and act accordingly. With reliability put on this machine by experts, it is one of the best soldering tools available.

Package Includes:

• 1 x 939D+ Digital Soldering Station
• 1 x 907F Detachable Soldering Iron
• 1 x Metallic Iron Holder
• 1 x Premium Brass Tip Cleaner (with Rosin Flux)
• 1 x Cleaning Sponge
• 5 x More Quality Iron Tips (SGS Certified)
• 1 x Pair of ESD-Safe Tweezers
• 1 x Tube of Premium Solder (Lead-Free)

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3. Weller SPG80L Marksman Stained-Glass Soldering Iron

If you want a soldering iron for stained glass works, then the Weller SPG80L Marksman Stained Glass Soldering Iron should be your go-to. Its design is so simple. But the service it provides is over the top. You will be using this iron for a long time.

With a cheap rate, the soldering iron provides a high-power output of 80-watt for high-duty stained glass soldering. As a highly durable tool, the item can survive for a really long time without taking any damage from soldering tasks. This iron runs on AC. As it weighs only 6.4 ounces, you can hold it long enough without any tiring.

Weller is a well-known brand in the soldering market, and they know what they are doing. Like their other products, this iron was crafted with care based on the ideas from the experts. Hence, it has a quick heat-up time. With the iron, you will get two additional tips and iron rest.

Solder your stained glass leads using this effective product. The primary material used on this tool is iron, which ensures its durability. For an enjoyable experience, we highly recommend this soldering iron to you.

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4. Choice Stained-Glass Soldering Iron and Rheostat

The choice store is a popular brand that makes high-quality soldering instruments. Choice Stained Glass Soldering Iron and Rheostat is a powerful machine that comes with a temp controlling panel. There is also a long cord to have enough reach. The iron has a fine shape too.

When we mentioned the word powerful, we really meant it. The soldering iron has 100 watts of power that can perform your stained glass soldering very precisely. With a durable control knob for adjusting the temp, you can set the heat level up to 1000-degree F. That is enough heat for heavy-duty soldering.

You need to attach the long cord to a power source of 120 V, and the machine will run smoothly. The process of using it is so simple that experts also recommend it for beginners. Create beautiful stained glass arts without any flaw. The rheostat helps the temp of the tip to stay steady as you work.

There is a rheostat case, which you can connect to your workbench to make your work easier. Meanwhile, the chisel tip attached to the iron is ¼ inches. With an excellent design, this soldering iron should go inside your stained glass workplace.

Pros

5. Weller W1140a Stained-Glass Soldering Iron

We have another product from the Weller brand that excels at soldering stained glass leads. Meet the Weller W1140a Stained Glass Soldering Iron, a tool praised for its high-powered operative capability and durability. It is surprising that Weller released this item at such a low price even though it can easily topple over most of the market’s best soldering irons.

Since the soldering iron has a weight of 3.2 ounces, you are free to lift and grip it for as long as you need. It is a non-temperature control iron. It means that the setting-up process of the iron will be faster. All you will do is turn the soldering iron on and wait for a few minutes for it to get hot.

Manufactured in Mexico, the iron has a durable body. It is possible because of the steel that Weller used on the iron. Note that the machine follows the metric unit system, so if you are more used to the metric system, then go for this one.

To give you something bonus, you will also get a tool for extracting solders. Experts think this is a peak choice for both novice and pros.

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6. Hakko FX601-02 Adjustable Temperature-Controlled Soldering Iron

You know you have found a great product when you see the name Hakko on it. The Hakko FX601-02 Adjustable Temperature-Controlled Soldering Iron has a long and proper body size that you can hold in many ways. Making it easier for you to solder, the controlling buttons are all on the handle. It allows for one-hand usage.

The first thing is first- the soldering iron has only a weight of 0.55 pounds. It is lighter than most other soldering iron you can come across. Since it has a chisel tip shape, you can use it on your stained glass works with ease.

The iron can use 67 watts of power, making it suitable for light to mid-range DIY or industrial projects. It runs on corded electricity, which lowers the maintenance cost. This hand tool is said to be the flagship of Hakko.

While holding the iron, you can access the temp control button with the same hand. For a better heat output, the heater is ceramic, which transfers heat pretty well. Speaking of the heater, it has a temp-sensor that keeps the heat consistent. Taking this durable soldering iron will be a wise idea.

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7. Weller 100PG Soldering Iron- Stained-Glass Supplies

We have one final product from the Weller brand. Like its other products, the Weller 100PG Soldering Iron- Stained Glass Supplies is an efficient item for soldering any stained glass. No matter what your workplace is, this item will be the favorite tool of yours. Its handle is also nicely-shaped.

Trust us when we say that this soldering iron is so powerful. When you use the 100 watts power output of it, you will be surprised. The rubbery part of the iron handle will give you the comfortable grip that you want. Not to mention, the shape of it is right for all hand sizes. Its parts are durable too.

By weighing 10.4 ounces, use the soldering iron with no difficulty. Forget about hand fatigues or pains. Like other Weller products, the item has a closed-loop system that keeps the heat of the soldering tip accurate throughout the work time. Speaking of the iron-tip, it is replaceable. So, it has room for upgrades.

Use the ¼ inches tip for any small tasks like electrical wiring or stained glass projects. Its heating time is so low. You must try this item soon to experience greatness.

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Soldering Irons for Stained Glass - Buying Guide

Stained glass works are fun to do if you have gotten the hang of everything. But it requires patience to form an eye-catching piece of art. With the introduction of modern technologies, stained glass works have turned easier.

Our major tools now are the soldering stations and irons. A great iron plays a vital role in the outcome of your work. So, let us help you in picking the best soldering iron-

Materials

When it is about soldering iron, you will find two materials of them. The nichrome and ceramic irons both heat up using the factor of electrical resistance. But nichrome irons have a larger body that can provide much heat for a longer time.

Their heat-up and cool-down times are slower. The ceramic irons, with their small body, offer faster heat output. But they are usually not for long-lasting continuous projects. For stained glass works, most people may go for ceramic irons.

Power

You must have noticed the wattage level mentioned on all the irons you have found. It indicates the heating time of the soldering iron. Remember that depending on your task, you may even need to go for lesser powerful irons.

If you want to do stained glass works, choose one with 65 to 150 watts of power. 100-watts will be the most ideal. Heavy-duty projects may require iron power of over 200 watts. Avoid the ones below 65.

Temperature Controller

One common issue about soldering irons is that the temp on the iron tips changes while working. As a result, the work result may get ruined or not be proper. For that reason, many manufacturers added advanced temperature controls that inspect the temp and keep it consistent all the time. It is a great feature, and you definitely should not avoid one that has it. You can find them in most of the products on our list above.

Final Note

Now that you have come to the bottom of this article, we have a couple more things to advise you on. When buying the soldering iron, you can find tips of various sizes in the package. But not all of them are for stained glass works. Chisel tips are the ideal tips for that.

Also, consider your personal preference. There are pencil-type irons that are straight. The hatchet (L-shaped) ones are banded and have a 90-degree angle between the handle and the material. Choose one between these two shapes based on your comfort. Hopefully, you can find the ideal soldering iron for some picturesque stained glass.