Soldering iron recommendation

[Ian and Lins]

I need to solder some fairly hefty alternator cables on my 'bike and wondered what wattage electric soldering iron would you recommend?

[windy]

150w or above would be good.
Personally I use the old-fashioned type thats heated up with a blowtorch or gas ring for the heavier jobs

[nicq]

For starter cables etc I use a hot air gun.

[Oldiebut goodie]

I use a 150w for some medium jobs when that isn't enough a miniature pencil gas torch is good and then for real big jobs a gas blowtorch.

[nicq]

I use a 150w for some medium jobs when that isn't enough a miniature pencil gas torch is good and then for real big jobs a gas blowtorch.

Try a hot air gun instead of a blow torch you get no oxidisation.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Don't have mains electrickery on a boat!
There is no oxidization if you don't overheat the workpiece - that is what a lot of people do wrong. They heat the fitting to red hot and then wonder why they can't make a good joint.
I'd like to see someone silver soldering with a hot air gun.

[nicq]

It's a bit near the max temp of most heat guns. I have a temp controlled one that does 480deg.
Silver solder 430 to 460deg

[Ian and Lins]

Okay ta. I'm going for the leccy 150w. The job I really want doing is a bit too near a plastic fuel tank and fairing panels. Don't fancy waving a hot air gun or blow torch around. Thanks again.