EXSO High Temp Heavy Duty Soldering for big ground connection, earth wire and steel plate, Adjustable Temperature Welding tool. (JY-22200(200W)(Ax type))(MADE IN KOREA)

Holding heat very well good quality handle

I made a mistake and bought a 200 watt soldering iron for about half the price here on Amazon. I plugged it in and it went POP! and was finished. It was a cheaper version, and not worth my time. Then, I found this iron. Yes, it's twice the price and well worth it. In a previous life, I was a professional electrician, so I know irons well. Few electricians would need such a monstrous beast of an iron, but my life now is one of metalwork and sculpture. Consequently, I needed a hefty, serious iron to bond sheet metal and melt wax for mounting sprues, runners, gates, and vents for lost wax casting. A 125 watt iron, though large, wasn't powerful enough for the really big melts and jobs. Since I needed to control the temperature accurately, I also added a soldering iron control unit (from here on Amazon) that you'll see in the photo. If you do this, make sure the wattage of the power supply is adequate. The negatives first, and they are only two. The included bent-wire stand is pitiful and could be dangerous; I'll assume that if you're using this big iron, you'll make a heavy dedicated stand (like the one I made in the photos) to hold this iron off your bench. The only other complaint I have is that the LED power indicator is so dim that it's pretty much useless. However, you'll know this iron is on, because of the radiant energy you'll feel if you're near it! The positives: this is a big, powerful, well-made, professional soldering iron. The handle is large and comfortable, and keeps your hand a good distance from the heat of the tip. The iron has a serious ceramic heating element, and the included chisel tip has a pocket in it where the heater resides when mounted (see photo). Within ten minutes at full power, it's over 600 degrees and will instantly ignite paper. The chisel tip is huge; about 5" long and over 3/4" in diameter. It was very nice that the chisel tip comes pre-tinned; if I were using it regularly on sheet metal this would definitely help. I can't say enough about this iron; I'm looking forward to many years of use. If the manufacturer would just include a bit brighter LED and a worthwhile stand, it would be absolutely perfect!

Product video shows incorrect plug. It has the correct plug for USA/Canada (NEMA 5-15P). I confirmed the ground lug is connected to the tip of the iron. Power draw is 182W high/91 watts low settings at 121 Volts, close enough to the rated 200 watt for me. The strain relief on the power cord came loose during shipping so I had to loosen the case screws and stick it back in so I downgraded this review to 4 stars. It still is kind of loose and may pop out again.

Of course you need to learn the basic soldering techniques for it to work properly. It's a great tool for the price. The stand is worthless. Just use a brick to lay it on.

Plugged it in, turned it on to high heat, about 5 minutes later heard a 'pop'. The pilot light went out and now it only get warm. Others have reported the same problem. Very disappointed.

Guess I ordered while tired. Completely missed this item The tip is iron! (Steel) Tried to tin the tip, even with sal amoniac, it's a bitch to do. THINK HARD before your purchase! Yes, it does get hot! perhaps WAY TOO HOT!

One of best soldering iron I have ever had

The heat settings switch is handy. Size is too long and I cannot find a place to purchase different size tips.