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Gas soldering
Ninehigh - 2/1/12 at 09:22 PM

I got a gas powered soldering iron for christmas, but it came with zero instructions...

I've used an electric one before, so I have a basic idea of what to do but is it just a case of fill it with gas and light it or do I have to use a different technique?

Proby - 2/1/12 at 09:32 PM

Sort of! I've got two, and they have a little catalyst in the tip. You don't want it flaming, just turn the gas on after filling it, and use a flint to get it glowing. Usually best to light it on full chant, then once it's going turn it to required heat setting.

Stott - 2/1/12 at 09:33 PM

Method of soldering is the same regardless although you will do well to remember this;

If you are soldering in a confined area or to a pcb or similar, pay attention to the heat emitted by the catalyst in the end of the iron. It will melt surrounding wires/casings etc. In this scenario heat the iron up to soldering temperature then kill the gas while you complete the job.

Atb
Stott

MikeRJ - 2/1/12 at 09:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Proby
Sort of! I've got two, and they have a little catalyst in the tip. You don't want it flaming, just turn the gas on after filling it, and use a flint to get it glowing. Usually best to light it on full chant, then once it's going turn it to required heat setting.


Note they do flame initially when you light them. As the catalyst heats the flames should extinguish and you will see a glow inside the tip as a catalyst does it's stuff. It's very easy to overheat the tips on these irons (meaning poor soldering and the tip erodes quickly), so if you are only soldering small items or wires makes sure you turn the heat down.

Ninehigh - 2/1/12 at 10:20 PM

Cool shall have to try it out now Thinking of soldering together some bits of the wing mirror to hold them in place just to get them through MOT

Thanks everyone

Dusty - 3/1/12 at 01:15 AM

Watch out where you put it down. Some hot gas exhausts out of the holes in an invisible jet and will burn a hole in a kitchen worktop even when the iron is on its stand. Well mine bl888y did!