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resistance isn't useless (2005) Journals/Blogs
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Regular poster 112 posts bobcatt Regular poster 112 posts
bobcatt

Dscn2255.jpg 

S scale, C-16 cab from  Echo Mountain Models. Inner window frames were lightly tacked in place until I decided on a method of making them slide. The roof was re-made using thinner sheet than was provided in the kit. Visible pinkish patina is heat discolouration from the soldering tips.

I picked up a resistance soldering unit (American Beauty 100W) and tried it out on some scraps of brass, then set forth assembling this round roof C-16 cab which had been purchased (on spec) some time ago.

I noticed a major improvement in the ease of assembly and finished quality of the kit compared to my efforts with the Meridian Models quarry wagon. From brief examination of old photos, the cab appears to be appropriate for RGS #9. I had intended to create an Sn3 locomotive at one point, but given the available time and the press of other projects, this has been shelved and the cab passed along to someone else.

This soldering station purchase prompted me to research different techniques and materials. After all, resin core solder is typically designed for electronics applications rather than assembly of thin brass sections. It seems that the best UK practice is to use a mid-range (145-150 degree C), non-flux cored solder and liquid acid flux (i.e. phophoric) for this type of material. After being told whopping lies about laws prohibiting the sale of such materials to non-commercial users, I finally located an appropriate (and cheap) supply of phosphoric acid at a local hydroponics store. Solder has been obtained through a UK model supplier. Further experiments will proceed when time allows.
bobcatt
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CarterM999 Regular poster 419 posts
CarterM999

Resistance

I built my soldering rig a few years ago and added a sowing sewing machine foot pedal on the input side to the transformer to activate the workings. A little learning curve but much faster soldering time than the hot iron.

I used a 50 Amp battery charger and found that this unit can turn brass rail into a red glow quick. So a little less (read a lot) input voltage and a few seconds and the joint is made. Part of the fun in this hobby is building your own tools.

Carter

 "HO" TRAINS ARE MY LIFE...AND "N" AND "AMERICAN FLYER" AND "LIONEL" AND EBAY.

WITHOUT CLOSETS, MODEL MANUFACTURERS WOULD NEVER BE PROFITABLE.

CARTERM999
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bobcatt Regular poster 112 posts
bobcatt

Build vs buy

Hi Carter,

I would have happily built one but this unit was available at an estate sale. 100W with both tweezer and probe tips plus foot switch. Couldn't pass it up.

As with any new tool acquisition, I need more practice to get better results.

 
bobcatt
Visit the S Scale Workshop blog
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Chainsaw Active Member 69 posts
Chainsaw

Resistance

Don't wish to nit pick.

Sowing is something you do with seed, e.g planting them into the ground. 

Sewing is done with a machine using a foot pedal to control speed.

Sorry couldn't resist. A mate of mine is the language spell checker in our group (fanatic would be more correct), and now it is rubbing off on me.

If all else fails call on Dr Who and the Tardis (as Jason Shron of Rapido Trains attests), and all will be be o'k.

May have to get instructions on how to build a resistance solder machine as the cost upwards of $ 300 here downunder
 

 
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wesgarcia Regular poster 145 posts
wesgarcia

Homemade Resistance Soldering unit

I am in the process of making a small homemade resistance soldering unit. If it works out as well as I hope I will build a larger 300 watt unit, based on the same design as the small one. The 300 watt unit will run around $100 dollars to build, which will include a solder probe which I will also make. One item I will buy is the on/off foot switch. 

I will keep you up dated as I progress on the project.

Wes

Sioux Fallls, South Dakota
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t_olivar New member 3 posts
t_olivar

Resistance Soldering unit

I have a soldering gun with a single on/off switch that got too hot one day and the case started to melt on me while using it.  I was thinking of taking the plastic cover off and mounting it in to a metal case, (insulated from the metal case, of course), with a fan for cooling it along with a couple of foot switches and a power diode.

Can someone tell me where I can obtain an inexpensive tweezer hand unit or instructions on how to assemble my own tweezer hand unit?  Plan to use it for model work as well as for electrical work.

Thanks in advance, t_olivar@live.com
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Graeme Nitz OKGraeme Prolific poster 1,695 posts
Graeme Nitz OKGraeme

Resistance Supplies

Check out PBL for Soldering Supplies. No Need to goto England.

http://www.p-b-l.com/index.html

 

 

Graeme Nitz

An Aussie living in Owasso OK

K NO W Trains

K NO W Fun

 

There are 10 types of people in this world,

Those that understand Binary and those that Don't!
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ctxmf74 Super User 15,988 posts
ctxmf74

"Can someone tell me where I

Quote:

"Can someone tell me where I can obtain an inexpensive tweezer hand unit "

ebay , they show up on there often..daveB 

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CarterM999 Regular poster 419 posts
CarterM999

Yes gardening on my

Yes gardening on my mind...what is left of it in my life.thanks for the heads up and correction made.

 "HO" TRAINS ARE MY LIFE...AND "N" AND "AMERICAN FLYER" AND "LIONEL" AND EBAY.

WITHOUT CLOSETS, MODEL MANUFACTURERS WOULD NEVER BE PROFITABLE.

CARTERM999
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