36 replies to this topic

[Bill from NH]

Stained glass shops and home centers such as Lowes, Menards, and Home Depot are all good places to look for a hefty iron.

[stuboyle1]

He's referring to a separate temp controller, one you plug the soldering iron into, and it has a knob to regulate the power and thus the temp of the iron itself.

I lot of guys use 'em, but I don't bother with one. The Hakko tips last so long I don't feel it's needed.

Thanks, Greg, for your reply. My soldering skills are pretty weak to say the least. I think I know where you are going. I never really thought about it, but the bigger the tip, the more heat is stored in it. Most of my soldering at the present is soldering breaks in the copper tape on my routed track. It's pretty tricky because I don't want the heat from the iron to ruin adhesive backing on the tape.

I would like to scratchbuild some chassis but just haven't got around to it yet.

[GTPJoe]

Guys,

In the Mike Steube chassis building video he uses the 100 watt Inland unit. And as he says he's not a neat freak but..

He is a HEAT FREAK!

He use that thing with the big tip and all. You gotta see him do it and flow that solder while holding the rails with the nails on his other hand, amazing! And his chassis don't look, or run, too shabby!

Inland should come out with an autographed Steube model. Get what the master uses...

[gascarnut]

Mike Steube needs to be recognized not only with a Signature Edition Inland soldering iron, but with the K&S Lifetime Achievement Award, for singlehandedly doubling their sales of brass and piano wire two years in a row!

[stuboyle1]

Where can I find Mike's video?

[Cheater]

Stu,

The final video has yet to be released, but Keith Tanaka has posted a teaser version you can download.

See this LINK.

[Tex]

Hi Stu!

It's being edited right now and will be available in DVD later this year. There IS an online file of the video for downloading, but it's quite large and could take quite some time! Maybe someone will post the link to the d/l file if you really want it now.

[Cheater]

Yo, Tex!

Someone did...

[stuboyle1]

It's being edited right now and will be available in DVD later this year. There IS an online file of the video for downloading, but it's quite large and could take quite some time! Maybe someone will post the link to the d/l file if you really want it now.

Thanks, Richard. I'm in no rush at the moment. I was not in too big a rush to start a chassis. I still haven't completed refurbing those two Cox cars of mine yet.

[kelmac]

I just started building my first chassis and needed to purchase a new iron! I went to NAPA auto parts and picked up a WL Lenk 80 watt iron for $33.94. It is a pencil type iron with a blade tip, develops 995 degrees of heat, and has an 8 foot cord. I tried it out last night and it really gets the job done. For the price it will definitely give you more than your money's worth. It is model number 770-2529. It comes with a five-year warranty and is made in the U.S.A.

I can't find a better deal for the money! I didn't have the funds for the Hakko at this time, but maybe the next iron I'll pick one up!

[team burrito]

You mean this one?



That is one monstrous tip. I hope you have a large iron holder for that beast. I'd sure hate to see that roll onto your lap!

[kelmac]

Yep! That's it !!! Except with a yellow handle!

I've been using the liquid flux with it and no problems at all!