Customer Reviews

Blazer SI-100CR Excalibur Multi-Purpose Butane Torch and Hot Air Soldering Kit

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased this kit online because I'd wanted a cordless soldering iron. Regular soldering irons are fine if you are always doing a lot of soldering, but I typically only do minor repairs requiring 2 or 3 joins or splices. With this unit I don't have to wait 10-15 minutes for the tip to heat up, nor do I have to get out the extension cord to do some soldering in the field.

There was an unanticipated benefit to this unit, which is using the heater tip. We've started using heat shrink tubing to cover the ends of multi-conductor cables where the outer insulating jacket has been stripped off. This gives the cables a nicely finished, professional look. Most of these cables are inside panels where 110v AC power is not readily available, so using a heat gun would require getting out the extension cord, lugging it to the panel, etc etc etc.

I've had this kit for 3 years now, and we're still finding new uses for it. I'd rate this as a highly recommended tool that belongs in every tool kit.

I use this butane torch as part of my everyday job as an aircraft mechanic. Most commonly, I use it to shrink heatshrink, as well as solder every now and then. (I tend to only use this instead of a regular soldering iron when I am in a tight or inaccessible spot).

This torch is exactly the same as the one in many other sets; they all just have different names on them and, accordingly, different pricetags. This was the cheapest one I could find, which is what drew me to it. I am not at all disappointed. I go back and forth between the hot blower tip and the soldering tip; changing between them is very simple and straightforward.

I have not used the knife or chisel tips, so I can not speak to how well they work.

This feels really good in your hand. It is well made and easy to operate. This is not a toy that feels like it may fall apart on you at any minute, it will last. I had a Weller, and this one measures up to my old Weller easily. If you're looking for a nice little solder/torch rig, this one is for you. I'm a jewelry designer who like to work on circuitry, and this does either well.

I bought this for use as a high-powered small torch, but it really only functions as a soldering tool. For that function it seemed pretty powerful and easy to use, but I never actually used it for that purpose. I returned it to get a true torch.

I initially purchased this in an attempt to find a decent hot knife under $50. I figured it would be worth the extra few dollars over my budget since it has multiple functions....

well, the soldering tip works great.

I have not tried the other tips.

but the hot knife tip is MAYBE okay if you are doing really fine work, but if that was the case you would probably prefer a wired knife so you can take your time with your cuts....it is too small and barely got hot enough to cut through 1/2" styrofoam, and I was hoping to use it for 1.5"....I should have known though....

regardless of the fact that it entirely failed for the purpose I bought it, I intend to keep it as all of its other functions are quite handy and the tool feels very solidly built.

When I first received the torch I filled it with Ronson butane and it soldered really great, shrunk the heat shrink tubing well and cut thin plastics as one would expect....but.... when I shut it off and came back a hour or so later it was still hot and that's when I first noticed that the unit would not turn off even when the switch was in the off position. I don't know if this is a general fault with this product or a just a defect with this one. Any way Amazon does not allow returns on anything used so I must deal with the manufacturer. Waiting to see what happens there.
I will write a follow up when I learn more from the manufacturer.

12/15/11 After two weeks and six phone calls, Blazer finally replaced this unit with a new one. The new unit works just fine and except for slow customer service I am happy with it.

This is a great little product. Love the self-lighting feature. Much better than the Wahl that I had

I had difficulty getting the element hot enough to solder. Thought it was because I couldn't get enough butane in the unit due to lack of correct tip on the can of butane I bought. So I have some Blazer butane sent to the house (not inexpensive with shipping) and the unit won't pass butane now.

I love the idea of this thing, and I did get to use it a few times, but I don't believe the quality of the unit I received is good. Unfortunately I bought one for my dad as well. Hope his holds up better...

I'll find out about their customer service / warranty next week.

Not too sure what I was buying...well, it is a great handy product...can be used in the smallest places...