02-03-2009, 05:48 PM
Mine is adjustable via the knob on the front ( house light dimmer control ). It reduces the 120 volts to the transformer which in turn reduces the power output. I can solder 0.002" brass sheet or up to 1/4" thick brass bars. This is without turning the knob past half way. I think it will solder thicker material but at the half way mark the carbon tip is glowing a nice orange color. 
I did try it turned up to the 3/4 mark on some 0.010" brass sheet and the heat of the tip actually deformed the brass where I was pressing down within a second.
So far I have used it to repair some solder joints on my brass CNR 2-8-0 I rebuilt. I also used it to resolder a broken pilot for a brass CNR 4-6-2 I am working on. It sure beats a soldering iron or a torch. Instant heat that is more localized to the area you are soldering.
Wayne Reid
I did try it turned up to the 3/4 mark on some 0.010" brass sheet and the heat of the tip actually deformed the brass where I was pressing down within a second.So far I have used it to repair some solder joints on my brass CNR 2-8-0 I rebuilt. I also used it to resolder a broken pilot for a brass CNR 4-6-2 I am working on. It sure beats a soldering iron or a torch. Instant heat that is more localized to the area you are soldering.
Wayne Reid