Hello Lee,
Rio 2005 Catalogue Page 351 Order #503-139
My apologies for not responding sooner. I just returned from our
Catalog In Motion show and have quite a bit to catch up on. For what
it’s worth my experiences are listed below.
Has anyone had any experience with Rio's Electric Soldering
Machine?
I do have experience with this machine prior to, and working for
Rio. I own one.
What is the difference with the Electric Welders?
The electric soldering machine is just that, it solders by using
heat and typical solder. The heat is generated almost
instantaneously by an electrical current. It is totally different
from the pulse arc welders.
How does one use the Electric Soldering Machine and what
precautions (if any) should be taken?
This machine is used for small joints only. It woks on a 3 second
window, and actually even 3 seconds is a long time. If you’re not
successful in that 3 second window you’ll have clean the joint and
start over.
Does it do a good job? i.e. Solder joints are strong, minimal
hassle, very little heat to the piece e.t.c.
Well, it’s like any other soldering application, if the joint
solders cleanly then I guess it’s good. The benefit of this machine
is it heats so rapidly it doesn’t let the heat transfer throughout
the piece. Practice, practice and more practice, as it does take
time to master this machine.
What pieces is it suited for? i.e. Rings only? Small Large pieces?
No particular specialization?
I could be mistaken here but I believe it was originally designed
for metal eye glass frame repair. It will only solder small joints
such as jumprings and the biggest probably being a seam on a ring
shank, or a head on a ring shank.
Is it worth it? i.e. Would you buy it? If no, why not?
Depends on your needs. As I stated above, it does require lots of
practice and patience but once perfected can be a very useful
machine.
Sincerely,
Thackeray Taylor
Rio Grande Technical Sales and Support
technicalsupport@tbg.riogrande.com
800-545-6566 ex 13903