First off I must congratulate your company for making the finest soldering iron I have ever used. I am in Jamaica and a construction manager by profession. I've worked a lot in marine construction throughout the Caribbean. I'm also an avid Ham Radio operator (6Y5MM) so I have used the tool so many times I can't begin to count. LOVE THE TOOL...keep on heating...
Mike M. in Jamaica
Since my great grandfather first started using electric soldering irons for stained glass work, my family has only used American Beauty. I like to use the 300 Watt soldering iron that my father purchased over 65 years ago to solder reinforcement bars for church windows. The 150 Watt soldering iron is my favorite for the more intricate work I perform that calls for smaller solder joints.Its a rare company that produces a product that can be handed down through four generations and still works like it was made yesterday.
My company specializes in supplying and installing high-end custom copper gutter-work, and I've been using American Beauty's 300 & 550 watt heavy-duty soldering irons for years. From a technical standpoint, sheet-metal solder joints serve two purposes, establishing a physical connection as well as a hermetic seal. It is absolutely essential that these joints are done properly the first time, for repairs to leaky copper gutters after the fact will prove 100 times more difficult than simply doing the job correctly the first time. I can always count on my American Beauty iron to generate and maintain enough heat to ensure perfectly soldered seams.
American Beauty heavy-duty irons are ideal for heavy soldering jobs and production-line environments. Created by compression winding a special Ni-Chrome heating alloy onto a steel spool, all elements demonstrate an unsurpassed heat capacity and outstanding durability. Protective casings cut from a single block of steel are strengthened with multiple heat treatments and precision brazed for optimal strength and efficiency. (Stand Included)
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Ni-Chrome Compression Wound Heating Elements are proven to be the most reliable heating element for maintaining soldering temperature in production environments.
Paragon Iron-Clad Lead-Free Soldering Iron Tips consistently outperform and outlast ordinary soldering iron tips many times over. Plug-style tip design provides for superior heat transfer and easy cleaning.
Hardwood handle provides superior thermal and electrical insulating properties and durability.
Modular construction allows for easy replacement of consumable parts allowing for tools to last for generations.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
The following products can be used as replacements for Model 3178-300 featured on this page: