Weller Wood Burner vs. Soldering Iron

[durango dude]

Just bought my son a basic Weller 25 pc wood burning kit (25W).

He wants to know if he can use the universal tip for soldering.

The tip looks the same as a solder tip, the manual even refers to the unit as a "soldering iron," and I think the Wattage is similar.

I suspect it's fine - as long as he keeps the tip clean ---- but wanted to check with people who might be more experienced than me in this area.

[LCHIEN]

sure, it'll solder. You have to be careful about tip size and power...
25W would be ok for small electronics projects like connectors and indicators but modern circuit boards require very small fine tips, precise temperature control and grounded tips (three wire cord).

OTOH, if you are soldering piping and stuff, 25W is way too little, the mass of the metal objects will suck out all the power before the item gets hot enough to solder.

[Daryl]

Depends on the tip. If it can be tinned it will solder, if not it will be frustrating trying. There probably is a replacement soldering tip that will work on it.