-- In [email protected], "shabbona_rr" <user141771@...> wrote:
>
> Micromark is offering a resistance soldering tool for $169.95
>
> http://www.micromark.com/microlux-resistance-soldering-unit-with-single-electrode-handpiece,10952.html
>
> Does anyone have any opinions/experience with this unit? I need to rebuild
> the handrails on SW-1 #22
>
> boB Nicholson _____________________________________________________
>
Hi Bob,
I looked at the Micromark unit and it is only 63 watts. This might be good
enough for handrails and light duty jobs.
I have 3 units. The 100 watt PBL is out on loan to a friend. The 100 watt is
okay for HO. When I went to S, I found I had to use the highest level and at
times it did not cut the mustard. The others I have are American Beauty 250
watt and PBL 300 watt because they do all the jobs well.
If you ever want to do larger jobs or large castings, then consider this power
otherwise you may feel that you wasted $169 on something that will not live up
to your expectations and perhaps future needs.
I have found that the lower settings on the 250 and 300 watt units are fine for
handrails. When I need to attach a brass casting, I have to crank them up to at
least 3/4 of the way, sometimes right to the top.
They are great for building and repairing turnouts and re-aligning misaligned
flex track. Timing is everything.
I just fixed handrails on my painted S2 from some travelling damage after the
West Springfield Show. I could not use the soldering gun except to re-tin the
parts. I had to use the 250 watt unit at about 80% to attach the stanchions to
the front and rear pilots. I applied the heat to the pilot itself and not the
brass rod. This is where you want the heat concentrated on the larger piece to
allow the smaller piece to heat up to the point of solder flow.
You can build your own. I did not want to take the risk or the time involved.
I have learned through lots of false starts that it is better to get the best
tool I can for the long term. Afterwards, I wonder what I did without it and I
can find more uses for it as time goes on.
cheers,
Andy Malette
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