On Thu, 1 Feb 2007 14:25:36 +0000, you wrote:

>Hello Everyone,
>
>A while ago I've read something about gas soldering stations either here or
>somewhere else but I could not find the message. I would have some questions
>about this:
>
>- What are the advantages / disadvantages over electric solder stations
>(like AFAIK there is no danger to put static electricity onto the tip of the
>iron, and I've heard something about that gas stations protects the solder
>against oxidation?)
>
>- If somebody has an experience with one, using a 7ml of tank how long can I
>use it continuously?
>
>- Overall is it cheaper or more expensive to run?
>
>- Is there any problem if the tip is pointing down for a long time? (ie the
>heat is going up to the handle/tank instead of the tip)
>
>- Do you switch it on and off while working so that reducing the gas
>consumption or just let it run?
>
>- Can you use it for heat shrinking tubes (using it in torch mode)?
>
>Sorry if these questions were too stupid but I just never ever had any
>experience on these and wondering if it worth to buy one.
>


Gas irons are very useful when away from the bench, but are not an alternative to a conventional.
You only want to use one when you don't have a proper iron available. 

If you need to use a gas iron, get a Weller Pyropen, preferably the one with the built-in igniter -
by far the best. 
Don't even think about a rechargeable iron - useless. 

You can use gas irons on small heatshrink, you don't always need to swap to a hot-air nozzle as you
get a stream of hot air out the side of the soldering nozzle ( which you need to be careful of when
soldering).. 


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