Charcoal soldering blocks

Jewelry Discussion
1

Has anyone purchased a good, long lasting charcoal block lately,
one that doesn’t check and disintegrate immediately. The material
of my old block is almost half again as heavy as the new one.
I’ve purchased “bad” one’s from a couple sources. The sales
people I’ve spoken to have not been able to tell me much. I guess
I’m looking for a hardwood charcoal block.

Dick

2 
Has anyone purchased a good, long lasting charcoal block lately,
one that doesn't check and disintegrate immediately.

I bought a compressed charcoal block at Allcraft in NYC.
Haven’t used it very long but it came recommended as one that
lasts much longer. Just wrap with binding wire.

As to the brand name, it’s German and the black wrapper says
“naturholzkohlen praparierte PaNa.”

Hope this helps.

rd

3

Giving the block a spritz of water with a spray bottle seems to
give longer life. Sonja

4

Dick,

I had an instructor who taught us a trick because he said he was
cheap. This will work unless need a BIG block. Buy the largest
block that you can find. Slice it in half through the thickness
(height) then cut the two pieces into four pieces each. It will
give you eight blocks and even tho’ they will still check and
such, they won’t crack as readily and they will be much cheaper
than buying eight.

Use a small wood cutting saw for this, do it outside if possible
and be prepared to take a shower afterward!

Good Luck!
Stella

5

I guess I’m looking for a hardwood charcoal block.

Hi Dick, They used to be made of linden (bass) wood. Markus

6

Allcraft in NY (Brooklyn, I think) has a charcoal block that is
supposed to last much longer than usual. It’s not in their
catalogue, you have to ask for it. I also think that the
ordinary kind works better and lasts longer is it is in a metal
box, top open. I guess if it has a top, after use it could be
closed, and perhaps it would stop burning more quickly.

I’m going to go to a Metal Arts Society Demo Day at Pasadena
City College today. I just joined and this will be my first
event! I’m really excited, and looking forward to meeting
everyone. If anyone from Orchid is going to be there, let’s say
"Hello". Ketarah, will you be there?

Ruth