I used one of those during high school at the art class. I have a faint memory of the thing, but it was much smaller, lightweight and with a finer point compared to a soldering iron.
Maybe the metal tip is made of a different material, since wood cannot dissipate heat as fast as conductors used when soldering. And maybe it is made for a continuous use instead of little touches. I don't remember if you can modulate the heath in order to achieve a different hue of brown or if you simply have to give more passes on the piece.
I am just speculating, I am sure if you have to initial something, anything would do. But if you are looking for some more extensive, you might research a little more before making up your mind.