A high-wattage iron can sustain soldering temperatures longer and bring larger works to soldering temperatures more quickly, especially when soldering thick wires. Move up to a soldering unit with a temperature control if your work schedule requires continuous use. This type automatically keeps the tip at an appropriate temperature, drawing more current as heat is sapped into the work and the area surrounding the work. Upgrade to a soldering station if you need to use a soldering tool regularly. Stations normally have a unit for the work bench, digital readouts, and a hand-held cordless iron with a variable setting.
Solder joints are electrical rather than mechanical connections.
Check literature accompanying the unit or ask the vendor. Some large jobs, especially in cool environments, may require a soldering tool that uses a butane-flame tip. Choose a soldering iron with a comfortable, well-insulated grip. Hexacon Electric developed the first iron-plated soldering tip, the first industrial soldering pencil and the first soldering station. Soldering is an excellent skill to teach a child, but the irons and the work reach extreme temperatures.