01-28-2009, 05:00 PM
I built this one using some plans found online. I actually used a number of ideas from three different web sites.
The transformer I used was one I had bought to use for a power supply. It has multiple power taps and is able to supply up to 50 amps of power. I had hoped to use one of the 6 volt AC taps but they only were capable of 2 amps. I ended up using one of the two 16 volt AC outputs as they can supply the full 50 amps if needed. I use an old sewing machine foot peddle to turn on the power. The light on the front lets me know it is on when I push the peddle. The dial is a light dimmer control wired to the 120 volt AC side of the transformer. It is used to control the output of the unit. I had it on the low voltage side at first but it did not give me very fine settings there. The handle with the carbon tip was made from an old burnt out soldering iron. The carbin tips are 1/8" arc gouging rods that are copper coated. I sharpen them with a pencil sharpener. I bought a whole box of 100, foot long rods for a little less than $25 Cdn. Enough tips to last a life time or two as only about four inches will fit in the handle.
The only down side to my setup is the transfomer and the steel case it is in weighs about 16 lbs. About 95% of the weight is the transformer. I also have to be carefull how far I turn it up as it has the power to burn a hole through .025" brass sheet with ease. The one things I am happy about is it will solder 1/4" brass together without any problems.
Wayne Reid
The transformer I used was one I had bought to use for a power supply. It has multiple power taps and is able to supply up to 50 amps of power. I had hoped to use one of the 6 volt AC taps but they only were capable of 2 amps. I ended up using one of the two 16 volt AC outputs as they can supply the full 50 amps if needed. I use an old sewing machine foot peddle to turn on the power. The light on the front lets me know it is on when I push the peddle. The dial is a light dimmer control wired to the 120 volt AC side of the transformer. It is used to control the output of the unit. I had it on the low voltage side at first but it did not give me very fine settings there. The handle with the carbon tip was made from an old burnt out soldering iron. The carbin tips are 1/8" arc gouging rods that are copper coated. I sharpen them with a pencil sharpener. I bought a whole box of 100, foot long rods for a little less than $25 Cdn. Enough tips to last a life time or two as only about four inches will fit in the handle.
The only down side to my setup is the transfomer and the steel case it is in weighs about 16 lbs. About 95% of the weight is the transformer. I also have to be carefull how far I turn it up as it has the power to burn a hole through .025" brass sheet with ease. The one things I am happy about is it will solder 1/4" brass together without any problems.
Wayne Reid