Need new soldering iron - any recommendations?

[Dual-500]

.....Others seem to prefer their fancy irons that cost many bucks and may be well worth it when used daily. 100W "Guns" are usually clumsy, and most of us don't preheat them long enough or we apply too much heat......

I have a little different "Interpretation" here.

I don't use anything in my shop "Daily" with the possible exception of the utility lighting. A good example is the 2hp 20" Craftsman drill press has been used twice in the two years I've owned it.

My tool selection contains only professional grade tools with such brand names as Craftsman, Snap On, Husky, DeWalt, Weller, Edelstall, Graco, Klein, Binks, Echo, Enerpac, etc.

When I use a tool for whatever task, I expect quality. I'm willing to spend the extra $ to buy quality. The results speak for themselves. Add to that, my router, belt sander, orbital sander, air compressor, and several other tools are 25 or more years old and still in excellent condition.

Quality is quality. I simply can't equate the level of quality in my shop tools to "Fancy". It's pretty much the same with audio gear - names like JBL, Ashly, Carver, Phase Linear, McCauley, Adcom and DBX don't equate to fancy, they equate to quality.

Weller makes quality products. There are many that simply choose to work with quality tools.

100w guns can be "Clumsy" if used on a task such as PCB soldering. For other projects they are perfect. I own and use 100w & 300w guns, as well as a Weller soldering station - it just depends upon what the slodering job is. There are times I use a propane torch - sometimes with a tip and sometimes open flame for sweat soldering.

The right tool for the job.

Cheers!!!!