Hello,

I am looking for a variable temperature soldering iron/pencil that can be stepped down to a low enough setting to melt/smooth soft plastic/vinyl. Have some 1/72 soft plastic figures that I need to convert and I find that the paper-clip-heated-by-candle method leads to soot build-up.

Any suggestions? Electronic supply stores having variable temp. soldering irons but I wonder whether these can be dialed to such a low setting.

Thanks in advance,

Richard

I made mine from a dimmer switch and electric outlet.
You can buy one from Radio Shack.

Hi Dave,

This is a great idea. But as I am not highly skilled in electrical wiring would you happen to know of a site that has basic instruction for this conversion?

Thanks very much,

Richard

well, if you know nothing about wiring, (part of my job)... I suggest the Radio Shack one..... they really aren't that expensive, and it's all assembled. I just had the parts laying around the shop, I didn't mean I bought the parts from radio shack
Don't know if there is an article here.

What did you do Dave put a inline dimmer in a regular soldering iron or did you "fashion" one out of raw parts. I ask to give bbtoys and idea of how to build one.

Don't be afriad of wiring it ready not that hard. After all on a soldering iron you all only dealing with 2 wires. One that bites and one that doesn't ... but here in the states it's only 120V just enough to get your attention. LOL It ain't the volts it's the amps you gotta watch out for.

Dave

Thanks for the tips.

I know this will come across as a stupid and ill-informed question (because it is! ) but for this conversion do I simply splice the wire leading out of the soldering iron and thread them through the dimmer mechanism?

Perhaps this would all become clear once I lay hands on one of them Radio Shack dimmers....

Cheers, Richard

Make sure the dimmer has the wattage capacity to handle the iron. I would buy a good brand, the cheap ones drop the voltage through resistance, this leads to a buildup of heat in the component, thereby reducing the life span.


ain't the volts it's the amps you gotta watch out for.
(1/2 of an amp will stop your heart, 120volts has enough potential to kill you, don't be fooled)

You could put these components in a small wooden box , make sure you use the "gnd wire" throughout the system.(this is an iimportant safety element). (If your not comfortable around wiring don't try it)

Sorry about all the safety ,but I've seen some crazy stuff on my job

Anyway Enjoy
Slug

Good advice Slug been working with the stuff awhile on my job too. Better some one be safe than sorry.

Thanks very much. I will now tackle this project with some confidence. You guys have been great!

I am just printing up this webpage to take to Radio Shack tomorrow!

Well, I hope I don't screw up..... !!!

Have a good night,

Richard

Well Ive found that sticking my paper clip in the electric outlet gets the paperclip the right heat almost instantly!


PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS! IT WAS A JOKE!

I'd like to try that variable heat thing, too, but will it work with the seperate speed regulator unit I use for my Dremel?

Art

I was thinking the same thing about using it with a dremel, but mine is a 2 speed unit . I don't see any reason that it shouldn't work, again check wattage maximums and make sure that your "dimmer" can handle the maximum load.


happy dimming
Slug

YOu can get a per-made solder station with a varible heat control at Lowe's or other places made by Weller (I think it was a WLC100). they run about $25.00 Comes whit a iron rest and wipe board. I saw one today while there in Tool World Department.

More info here
[url=http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/weller/index.cfm?model_list=1&att_id=WEL003&att1=Soldering%20Stations&att2=Consumer%20Soldering%20Stations[/url]

Sorry the link doesn't work but that's the address.

Dave