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The Weller Speedy Iron Model B Soldering Gun
- The First
"Instant Heat" Soldering Gun -
Weller Manufacturing Company, Easton, PA
The New Weller "Speedy Iron" - 1946
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This is one of Carl E. Weller's first soldering guns manufactured commercially by Weller Manufacturing in Easton PA.
Carl Weller applied for his first patent in July of 1941. Weller began manufacturing his soldering guns by hand in his basement.
Reportedly he made 275 guns before forming the Weller Manufacturing Company after World War II and producing his Speedy Iron Model B.
Incorporating a step-down transformer and a copper tip gave his new soldering gun the ability to deliver heat quickly and made it instantly popular.
Weller received the patent for his new soldering gun in 1946.
Pictured at left is the earliest of the three versions of the Speedy Iron in my collection. They all still work.
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Three versions of Weller's "Speedy Iron"
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Three versions of Weller's Speedy Iron:
#1 - The original Speedy Iron with no patent dates on the grip.
#2 - Speedy Iron with patent dates on the grip.
#2 - Speedy Iron Inside.
#3 - Speedy Iron with patent dates on the grip and incorporating a 2.5 volt lamp for illuminating the work.
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At left is a photo of Weller's wooden prototype soldering gun the Smithsonian has on display. It is cataloged as a prototype of Weller's first commercial gun, the Speedy Iron Model B.
It is the same shape as the model B but with a case made from wood.
Larger Photo
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In May of 1963 Popular Science magazine published an article on Carl Weller's invention, the instant heat soldering gun.
You may read the entire article here covering the history and the theory behind the gun, and view photos and schematics of it's inner workings.
1963 Popular Science Article
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My Soldering Iron and Soldering Gun Collection
My Weller Soldering Tools Collection
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