providing a steam generating means in the form of a boiler 28 wholly disposed directly in the upper surface of the coverplate separate and distinct from the usual steam generator in the soleplate with the construction shown this may be relatively large and in the generally forward portion of the iron as shown in fig1 although its specific location may be other than as shown preferably it is located forward of the longitudinal rib 22 at one end thereof and disposed along the longitudinal center line of the soleplate as is rib 22 thus it is symmetrical about the longitudinal center line at the forward end of longitudinal rib 22 steam generated in the upper surface of the coverplate is disposed to enter distribution chamber 24 by any suitable connection such as directing rib 29 and ducting means 30 to direct the steam down below the coverplate and into large chamber 24 or distributing passage from whence it exits ports 12 it will be seen that the subassembly is formed by stamping out the soleplate and then punching or coining the steam ports and the edge of the soleplate to round them and smooth them and then placing the cast coverplate in place and welding it continuously around its depending rib to the soleplate to permanently attach it thereto thus a steam distributing chamber 24 is formed and this completed two.