Hot Spot vs soldering machine

I’ve been considering getting some sort of portable electric
soldering device. I’d like to be able to solder silver charms onto
customers’ bracelets, etc. while they wait, without hauling around my
80 pound water torch, and without violating any fire safety
regulations.

Anyway, I was looking in the Rio catalog and I saw the Hot Spot
jumpring soldering device, and also a more generically described
“electric soldering machine”. I’m wondering what the difference is
between the two devices. Does the lower priced soldering machine do
what the Hot Spot does, or is it different in operation? What would
be the advantages of one over the other?

While I’m writing, I need to thank Hanuman and everyone else who
makes Orchid the wonderful resource that it is. Twice last week I
needed “how to” advice on techniques (fixing dimpled balls on
sterling silver balled headpins, and making powder separated molds).
Both times I found exactly what I needed to know in the archives
within just a few minutes of starting to search! I printed out the
replies, and both problems were easily solved when I returned to the
shop. Like everyone keeps saying, Orchid rocks!!!

–Kathy Johnson
Feathered Gems Pet Motif Jewelry
http://www.featheredgems.com

There have been a few recent duscussions on soldering machines. The
hot spot needs solder or solder filled wire. 2 other devices
discussed were, the Tack III and PUK 111. Both are (TIG?) welders and
use argon and leave a nice clean joint (according to manufactures
documentation). Just thought you may want to look at those units to
compare.

Brian Barrett

Dear Kathy,

I have worked with both machines and if you’re only interested in
soldering jump rings then I highly recommend the Hot Spot over the
Electric Soldering machine. While both work off the same principle
the Hot Spot is engineered much better and includes a "dwell time"
setting, a must for production and consistent results. This allows
you to set a designated heating time, once you touch the foot pedal
it runs and stops on it’s own without you having to remove your foot
from the pedal to stop the heating action (can you say melt down?).
It also has a pair of Swanstrom pliers to hold your work pieces
instead of the traditional alligator clips, which tent to get hot
very quickly then anneal, soften and distort.

The Electric Soldering Machine does have it’s advantages. It’s
different carbon points allow for soldering larger joints than the HS
and therefore can solder a wider selection of work.

If you have anymore questions feel free to e-mail me off list or
call 1-800-545-6566 and ask for me.

Sincerely,
Thackeray Taylor
Rio Grande Technical Support

I saw the puk system and it is a very cool for retyping prongs…
And other things it also works with it.

Andy “The Tool Guy” Kroungold
Sales/ Tools and Technical
Stuller Inc.
337-262-7700 ext. 4194
337-262-7791 fax
Andy_Kroungold@Stuller.Com