|
GLASTAR Temperature Control |
GLASTAR
SOLDERING IRON CONTROL
This control slows down the flow of electrical power to the iron lowering it to a more manageable 60 watts. Handling up to 1800 watts, this energy-efficient regulator makes it easier for you to control the
temperature of any standard soldering iron.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR STAINED GLASS
WHY DO YOU NEED A SOLDERING IRON CONTROL?
50/50 solder melts at 420° and lead melts at 620° and whether you have a 40 watt iron or a 400 watt iron, if you plug it in and leave it for 20 minutes, the tip temperature of your iron will go over 900°. Now, if you touch that iron to your lead, you're definitely going to have a problem... a big hole in your lead! If you use the Glastar Soldering Iron Control correctly, the problem will disappear instead of your lead.
A POPULAR MISCONCEPTION
This control (just like every other unit on the market) does not control the temperature of your iron. It controls the power to the iron...YOU control the temperature to the iron by first finding the right temperature as it heats up; then soldering at a consistent rate so that the iron does not overheat. Here are a set of rules to go by when using your control. Follow them carefully, and you will never have a problem with burned lead.
HOW TO FIND THE PROPER SOLDERING TEMPERATURE AS THE IRON HEATS UP
 |
Cut a 6" (15.24 cm) piece of 3/8" (9.525mm) or 1/4" (6.35mm) flat lead (don't use round lead), and also a 6" (15.24cm) piece of solder. Flux one side of the lead and lay the solder on top of the lead. | ||||
|
Plug your iron into the control, and set the control to FULL and wait approximately 2 minutes. | ||||
|
Now place a flat face of the soldering iron tip on the solder, and hold it firmly against the solder and lead for FIVE FULL SECONDS. | ||||
|
If
the solder melts rapidly and flows out to form a nice, smooth puddle and
yet, you don't burn a hole in the lead (having applied it for the five
full seconds), your iron has reached the right temperature. If not, read A
& B.
|
|
SOLDERING IRON WATTAGE |
CONTROL SETTING |
| 80 Watts |
75 |
| 100 Watts |
60 |
| WELLER W-100 |
CONTROL NOT REQUIRED |
| 120 Watts |
50 |
| 150 Watts |
40 |
| 175 Watts |
35 |
| 200 Watts |
30 |
| 300 Watts |
20 |
Having attained the proper temperature, now turn the control to the number indicated on the chart. The setting on the control depends on the wattage of your iron.
As soon as the number is set on the control, start soldering your project. you don't have to hurry, but don't linger between solder joints. KEEP MOVING ALONG AT A STEADY PACE. What if the phone rings as you're soldering, and you have to put the iron down for a few minutes? Turn the control to 20 when you leave, but when you return don't touch the iron to your project. Repeat the test in Step 4 first. It may have become too hot during your absence. Once you have the iron back to the right temperature, turn your control to the proper setting and continue soldering. After you have been soldering for a few minutes, you may have the feeling that the iron is either too hot or too cool. Despite your inclination, DON'T TURN THE CONTROL UP OR DOWN...leave it alone, calm yourself, and follow these steps:
- If you think the iron is too hot, go back to the 5 second test in Step 4. If it is too hot, try to increase your soldering speed.
- If you think the iron is
too cool because your solder joints are a bit lumpy, lay the iron down for
20 seconds. Then start soldering again. You may be trying to solder too
fast, or you may not be leaving your tip down on the lead long enough. The
tip should be in contact with the lead for approximately 2-3 seconds to get
the lead hot enough to accept the solder.
WHAT HAPPENS AS YOU GAIN EXPERIENCE?
After you've completed several projects and have had several hours experience soldering, you will find that your soldering speed has increased considerably. When you find you must stop several times during a project to let your iron heat up, change the setting on your control. Increase the setting by 10's until you can maintain the correct temperature for your rate of soldering.
WARRANTYThis Soldering Iron Control is warranted against failure for 1 year from the date of purchase.
ELECTRICAL INFORMATION
Type of Control: Bimetal RegulatorVoltage: 120 Volts
Maximum Current: 15 Amps
Maximum Load: 1800 Watts
