Soldering irons and solder

[fido]

I must get a better iron at some point. I'm using a very old Antex X25 at the moment but also have a few cheap irons and guns from Lidl or Aldi. The tip of one gun will actually glow red but is made of a material that won't stay tinned. I used to do electrical work on boats so I bought a 12 volt iron but that is hopeless and the slightest breeze will cool it if used outside. I found a small gas powered device works better for such jobs.