04-20-2009, 09:59 PM
Howdy:
I agree with the last post, in the the Metcal is an amazing unit, even at $800+. The extremely fast heat up (by RF skin effect) also results in very tight temp regulation - a tiny tip can therefore deliver MUCH more heat than others. I'm also fond of the hand held weller hot air blower $150 or so, versatile with paste flux, just keep it AWAY from plastic. My latest fave is a butane 'wind proof grill lighter' that has a 6-8 inch gooseneck-style tip. Sounds strange, but these are a real gem, delivering the equivalent of 200 watts - just enough to solder terminal strips to a chassis, but not light the insulation or rosin on fire (as a propane torch WILL). *BUT WAIT* - there's more! For the few times I need that kind of heat, the <$10 price tag is well justified, and will also enable some grilled burgers as well.
I agree with the last post, in the the Metcal is an amazing unit, even at $800+. The extremely fast heat up (by RF skin effect) also results in very tight temp regulation - a tiny tip can therefore deliver MUCH more heat than others. I'm also fond of the hand held weller hot air blower $150 or so, versatile with paste flux, just keep it AWAY from plastic. My latest fave is a butane 'wind proof grill lighter' that has a 6-8 inch gooseneck-style tip. Sounds strange, but these are a real gem, delivering the equivalent of 200 watts - just enough to solder terminal strips to a chassis, but not light the insulation or rosin on fire (as a propane torch WILL). *BUT WAIT* - there's more! For the few times I need that kind of heat, the <$10 price tag is well justified, and will also enable some grilled burgers as well.
Until next time,
Stirling KC0NXM.
