Hi was wondering what type of cordless soldering iron others used, and looking for recommendations on which to buy. I often need to solder when I’m away from home. I had a cheap $10 butane one that kicked the bucket, and wasn’t very useful anyway. My price range is around $30 (willing to pay more if its worth it) There are so many different brands and models to choose from. Hoping others can point me in right direction.
Also was wondering which is better the butane powered or battery powered?
From my limited experience, cordless irons are are good for emergency remote location soldering only. Most are cheap and do not work well. There may be good examples out there though, I just haven’t found one, or needed one either.
I’d use a 12V power source, inverter, and proper soldering iron.
I got an Iroda 120 butane solder kit for about 60 bucks a while back. They’re not half bad 
Use it all the time, often not for it’s intended purpose like firing up the bbq or making used button lithium’s pop.
Have a look at the 50 and 70 models.
I would go with original Iroda.
I had one, loved the heat-up speed (within seconds… really) , used it on all my soldering until the tip is almost dead. Unfortunately the standard business scheme (read: scam) for butane soldering is that you can’t buy the tip only… those darn things cost close to a whole new set.
So, I didn’t feel like forking prime price for another Iroda. I bought another cheap ebay soldering iron ($9) and the difference is like night and day. It is so bad. In short, if you want to ruin your day repeatedly, then get the cheapies. Else, gotta fork it up 
I’ve seen the tips being sold at my electronics supplier. A little pricey however at 19 bucks a pop, but the iron retails here for about 100.
You can fix up an old oxidized tip by sanding down the oxidation, heating it up then applying solder all over the tip right when it heats up. The solder keeps it from oxidizing
This is more or less how tip refreshers/tinners work and why you should always keep a little solder on your tip when you’re done, I just flick off the excess and wipe it over a moist (not wet) sponge.
The ONLY one I’ve ever found that is worth more than a pile of dog poo…
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Weller-Pyropen-Jr-Self-Igniting-Cordless-Butane-Soldering-Iron-WSTA6-/290891738518?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43ba7fad96
Never tried an Iroda. It might be just as good, but I can’t be sure.
The Weller Pyropen and Pyropen Jr. are both very nice tools. I still much prefer a corded solder station, but for repairs on the go, the Pyropens are great.
PPtk
If you only need to solder small joints, you can try HobbyKing’s battery powered soldering iron: Radio Control Planes, Drones, Cars, FPV, Quadcopters and more - Hobbyking
I have one, used it to fix small things like LED star wires or soldering two electrical wires together. Works really well, heats up in 15-30 seconds. Just ordered two more, one to keep in the car and one for backup.
I use it with Turnigy LSD batteries, maybe I should order some more when they are back in stock.
Thanks for suggestions. I’m comparing the Iroda & Pyropen for a long term solution. For now I ordered the one from hobby king at $3.49 to use as a backup til I decide. Thanks
I find this battery operated soldering iron amazingly simple and handy for minor works.
The batteries last for about 45 minutes of continuous work. Takes about 20 seconds to get hot and ready.
It is a tool from Parkside, which is exclusively distributed by the German company Lidl and its outlets in Europe. I costs ~10 euro.
