Electrical soldering devices

Jewelry Discussion
21

Hi again Noel,

Here is a link to the torch I’ve been using:

It is a bit of a pain to light it but you get used to it. The first
one I had which died, I could light with one hand but you need both
hands to light the Bernzomatic. There’s a nail-breaking safety
switch under the ignition button which you have to pull down. Then
you push the ignition button. Once the torch is lit, you then have to
press a button on the side to get a continuous flame - if you don’t,
the flame goes out. To change the flame to an annealing flame,
there’s an awkward button on the top that you have to push forward
keep pressed forward - it gets too hot to touch after a short while.
There’s a switch on the opposite side to the continuous flame switch,
that changes the size/heat of the flame but the adjustment range is
not as much as I’d like it to be.

As Sophie pointed out, another drawback of these torches is that you
can’t change the shape of the flame into a bushy flame for example.
However, if it’s all you have available, then you get used to it and
pretty much anything you want to solder can be accomplished with it
if you use your ingenuity. (As I’ve said before, I do have an oxy/
propane torch but have not yet had the available funds to purchase
the gas bottles so I’m still using the cook’s torch).

Helen
UK
http://www.hillsgems.co.uk

22

Hi Peter,

But the real question is whether any of those machines or
something like it is still available. Seen one for sale new in the
last 20 years or so? I haven't.

If you’re talking about the one I think you are, look at page 441 in
Rio’s 2008 tool catalog. They show one on the lower right corner of
page 441, item 503-135, $269.00.

Dave

23

But the real question is whether any of those machines or something
like it is still available. Seen one for sale new in the last 20
years or so? I haven’t.

If you're talking about the one I think you are, look at page 441
in Rio's 2008 tool catalog. They show one on the lower right corner
of page 441, item 503-135, $269.00.

You’re right, Dave. That’s the beast.

cheers
Peter

24

I have watched the various threads about butain propane and
Bernzomatic torches. I have used a hand held Mapp gas torch for
about 25 years( purchased from Sears Roebuck) They stopped selling
them about 20 years ago. the torch is similar to Bernzomatic TD 900
however does not use a hose.This torch has done all the soldering of
silver I have tried without any problems. I think mapp gas is great

Tom

25 
As I've said before, I do have an oxy/ propane torch but have not
yet had the available funds to purchase the gas bottles so I'm
still using the cook's torch

Thanks for the input, Helen. The torch you use is more or less the
same-- with the same drawbacks-- as the one I have.

Two comments: First, this is not a cook’s torch. The “creme brulee”
torches don’t get as hot and, I believe, have fewer adjustments.
Second, around here (Big City, USA) used gas bottles can be
purchased pretty cheap at the same welding supply places you go to
to get them refilled. The regulator is the most expensive item,
though they might have them too-- I never asked.

Noel

26

Hi Noel,

First, this is not a cook's torch. The "creme brulee" torches don't
get as hot and, I believe, have fewer adjustments.

Yes, you’re right. The first one I had which died was a cook’s torch
though - it even said so on the front and it came with four creme
brulee ramekins. And although the Bernzomatic was not made as a
cook’s torch, it was indeed in the cookware section of our local
supermarket when my husband went out and bought it for me, so they
were selling it as a cook’s torch. It is quite a bit hotter though
and it did take a short while to get used to the difference in
temperature of the flame. Mind you, although it is hotter, it is not
as adjustable in the lower ranges as my first one. My original
cook’s torch had a dial on the top and that was what you used to turn
the gas on and off and adjust the amount of the fuel being delivered
and hence the flame - so I could turn it right down for tiny jobs but
I can’t do that with the Bernzomatic. I will also note that the
largest jobs I’ve soldered - the pendants I referred to in an earlier
post (3 x 1 inches and 2 x 1.5 inches) - were accomplished with my
original creme brulee cook’s torch with lower temperature flame. So
such jobs are now even more doable with the Bernzomatic.

The regulator is the most expensive item, though they might have
them too-- I never asked.

I already have the regulators, flashback arrestors, hoses, torch,
torch tips, goggles, spanners and everything else I need - just not
the gas! All my available money goes on my monthly silver order as
by the time I can buy some more, I’m almost running out. Or else it
goes on spangly gems that jump out at me saying “buy me - you need
me”! I will make the leap to using my “proper” torch soon, but I
guess because I have the Bernzomatic I just haven’t had a sense of
urgency to do so. Also, I will have to have the gas tanks outside and
have the hoses coming through the open window so during the winter
that wasn’t a very attractive proposition.

I do think that you get used to using what you have available though
and if all your students have available are the hand-held butane
torches, they will learn to cope with them. Then if they go on to
better systems later, they will be all the more talented for coping
with butane torches early on.

BTW, I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase a copy of the
magazine with your bracelet article (courtesy of a very kind Orchid
member Kathy Johnson) and it is truly stunning. Your jewellery is
really unique. I think there are very few people who develop a style
that you just won’t see anywhere else and that is easily
recognisable as your work - a real niche.

Helen
UK
http://www.hillsgems.co.uk
http://www.helensgems.etsy.com

27

Yes, they still live! Look up americanbeautytools.com. Also. Rio had
a resistence soldering device up 'til just a few years ago.

Dr. Mac

28

Hi Doc, List…

Yes, they still live! Look up americanbeautytools.com. Also. Rio
had a resistence soldering device up 'til just a few years ago.

American Beauty (aka ATI) is the industrial outfit that has been
making these forever…

These are the “boys” of resistance soldering…And will do
special unit stuff on app…

No affiliation, but have put some custom things together with them
in the past…

It’s pricey stuff, but it don’t break…

Gary W. Bourbonais
L’Hermite Aromatique
A.J.P. (GIA)

29

Hi,

Rio Grande has a resistance soldering unit on page 441 of the 2008
tool catalog. Item C, $269.00

Dave

30

This is, as mentioned on the page, an alternative to a soldering
iron. This person is using soft (lead/tin) solder, not brazing like
we do.

M’lou