5/12/2010

Review of Weller P2C Portasol Professional Self-Igniting Cordless Butane Solder Iron

For anyone who owned or used the original Portasol soldering iron, they will notice some vast improvements to this second design. Primarily, ignition no longer requires a "bic-lighter-type-spark" (that usually required at least three efforts), as it has been replaced by a piezo-electric spark. In addition, the gas supply seems much more stable and controllable,and finally, the soldering tips are much more robust and use the same mounting device for easy switching (though one must still wait for those parts to cool down before handling). Overall, the tool is well-built and very quick to achieve soldering temperatures. The only negatives I see are the relatively short run-time per tank of gas (about 45 mins on a low setting - less than they claim), and the absence of a temperature gauge, or series of led lights to roughly indicate temp. I don't think this feature is present on other, even more expensive portable units, but it would be a nice addition to ensure that expensive electronic components (esp high power LEDs) don't get fried.

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Product Description:
Lightweight, Cordless Butane Soldering & Hot-air Tool Esd Safe To Protect Sensitive ComponentsFast Heat-up For High Productivity?melts Solder In Less Than 40 SecondsGas Capacity Allows Up To 1 Hour Of Continuous Use Refills In Less Than 20 SecondsAutomatic Cut-off Switch When Cap Is Replaced For Safety

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5/11/2010

Review of Dremel 290-01 1.15 Amp 7,200 Stroke Per Minute Engraver includes Letter and Number Template

I bought this engraver with birthday money from a discount store last fall, after researching it online.It will leave its mark on just about anything you would want. I like the variable speed settings which allows you to match the work to the material. I have used it to initial all my tools so there is no mistaking who it belongs to. It works on hardened steel as well as plastic. My wife uses it for craft projects in her pre-school teaching job.

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Product Description:
Engrave, decorate, or personalize a wide variety of materials--from metal to plastic to wood and leather--with the Dremel 290-01 7,200 Stroke Per Minute Engraver. This handy tool includes a letter and number template for infinite artistic possibilities. It also features a soft-grip body, replaceable carbide engraving point, and variable stroke control.
The Dremel 290-01 7,200 Stroke Per Minute Engraver includes:
  • Engraver tool
  • Letter and number template
  • 9924 carbide point


The included letter and number template makes it easy to personalize your items.View larger.

With a five-position stroke adjustment, the engraver etches fine lines and deep grooves.View larger.

The included 9924 carbide engraving point ensures precise results.View larger.7,200 SPM Motor for Powerful Performance with a Variety of Materials
Powered by a 7,200 SPM, 115-volt motor for reliable performance, the 290-01 lets you personalize your valuables or decorate metal, glass, and stone for a unique touch. It's also perfect for ceramics, crafts, and jewelry making.
Unlimited Personalization and Decorative Options
With the 290-01, the only limit is your imagination. Engrave your wedding date on a glass tumbler for a special anniversary gift or wedding favor, jazz up a plain wooden frame with a mix of lines and letters, or embellish a simple mirror with a lovely engraved design. With this tool you can also mark your valuables to help protect them from theft and engrave your name directly on your luggage to make it easier to spot your bag at the airport.
Engrave for Protection Against Theft
The Dremel Engraver helps you identify and protect property like tools, bikes, cameras, TVs, and other valuables quickly and easily. Engraving your valuables with your name or identification number makes them less likely to be stolen, as personalized items are more difficult for would-be thieves to sell for a quick profit. Plus, should your property become lost or stolen, having identification on the item helps police return recovered items to you more quickly.
Five-Position Stroke Adjustment for Precise Results
Featuring a five-position calibrated stroke adjustment dial to regulate the engraving depth, the 290-01 lets you etch fine lines or deep grooves in metal, glass, wood, leather, plastic, and ceramic. Its soft-grip body ensures a comfortable, secure grip, while a replaceable carbide engraving point ensures precise results. For added versatility, you can also purchase an optional 9929 diamond point (not included) for heavy-duty use on hard surfaces.
Compact, Lightweight Design for Easy Handling and Comfortable Grip
Weighing just 12 ounces, the 290-01 has a light and compact design that lets you perform intricate work without excessive stress on your wrist or hand, and the included number and letter template helps you complete your engraving quickly and easily without mistakes.
For additional peace of mind, the 290-01 comes with a two-year warranty.
About Dremel: A History of Brilliance and Innovation
Founded in 1932 in Racine, Wisconsin, Dremel is the industry leader in rotary tools. The company owes its success to the inventive genius of its founder and namesake, Albert J. Dremel. In his lifetime, Mr. Dremel owned 55 patents on a wide range of products from electric erasers to a gas-powered rotary lawn mower. His most famous and important invention was a high-speed rotary tool, dubbed the Dremel Moto-Tool. Compact, lightweight, and perfect for a wide range of jobs, the rotary tool was an immediate hit with hobbyists and eventually became accepted as one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. Today, the Dremel name remains synonymous with utility, durability, and innovation.
What's in the Box
Engraver tool, letter and number template, and 9924 carbide point
The versatile, easy-grip 290-01 lets you decorate and label a wide range of material, from tough metal to delicate glass.



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5/10/2010

Review of Micro Pencil Butane Torch Lighter

theres no spark n the on and off valve are finicky,fluid goes fast.could be smaller upping its portability

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Product Description:
The size of a pencil with full-size power! This micro pencil torch is great for any electrical work, building fires, fixing any metals, and various household needs. The compact design of this 9" blue flame breather is perfect for tool box or utility drawer. A great tool to always have around.

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5/09/2010

Review of PROFESSIONAL 30W SOLDER IRON CUSHION GRIP

Very even heating.Supplied tip is OK but for micro work, buy the fine pointed tip at the same time instead of paying for s/h twice or having to wait for the second delivery.An addt'l recommendation would be to purchase a stand if you don't already have one.

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Product Description:
Cooper Hand Tools, a division of Cooper Industries, Inc., manufactures and markets many well-known brands of hand tools, chain, and electronic soldering products, including Campbell chain, Crescent brand wrenches and pliers, Lufkin measuring tools, Nicholson files and saws, Plumb hammers, H.K. Porter bolt cutters, Weller soldering products, and Wiss snips. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Cooper Hand Tools has manufacturing facilities in 16 international locations, and has approximately 4,400 employees worldwide.

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5/08/2010

Review of Bernzomatic Corp Micro Torch Kit W/tips

First off, it's advertised as having "6-tips-in-1", but in my opinion it only really comes with 4 tips.There is an integral tip to be used for hot blower applications (like heat shrinking), so I guess you could count that as a tip.The other 4 tips screw into this one.The tip advertised as being useful for soldering copper pipes is with no attachments or tips installed - just the naked torch.

I seriously doubt that this puts out enough heat to actually solder a copper pipe any larger then 3/8", or the copper tubing used for ice makers.

And in general, the flame is not that uniform and flame control is not that precise.You'd be better off buying a more expensive torch and save yourself the frustration from using this one.

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Product Description:
For precision light soldering, polyfoam cutting and heating, craft and hobby projects, electronic repairs, and small household projects. Refillable, uses butane fuel. Includes soldering tips, hot knife tip, polyfoam cutter and torch stand. 3,100 degrees F

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5/07/2010

Review of Dremel 290-05 120-Volt Industrial Engraver

great little unit! works on all metals including saw blades and router bits. I am using the diamond tip with it. powerfull and not too loud. glad i own it.

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Product Description:
Stroke adjustment dial regulates engraving depth from fine lines to deep grooves;Replaceable carbide point lets you engrave on most surfaces;Letter/Number template helps etch words and numbers;Soft grip adds extra comfort and control;Light and compact design provides comfortable use for precision engraving performance;Two year warranty

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5/06/2010

Review of Butane Micro Torch

The torch looks and performs exactly as described.After very limited use (about 6 months of casual kitchen use), the automatic ignition system failed and it would no longer light.We continued to use it for a while by lighting it with a lighter, but after about 6 months, we threw it away.We didn't get our money's worth.

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Product Description:
Butane Micro Torch For Electrical Repair & Soldering. This is a new butane micro torch. This micro torch has an electronic instant ignition system for push button start ups. This can be used on jewelry, automotive, electronics, outdoors, emergency kits, first aid kits, hobbies, home plumbing, waxing skis and in dental labs. Provides up to 120 minutes of burn time. It has a high temperature flame of 2370 degrees F (1298.8 degrees C). Butane not included. It measures approximately 6" (152 mm) long.

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5/05/2010

Review of Hakko Desoldering Kit, With 808 Gun, 120 VAC

I have used tons of solder suckers, and for the past 15 years, a Pace MBT-200 soldering/desoldering station.The Pace worked for a lot of years but always needed a lot of maintenance.It was ok but I always had a feeling there must be something better.It was what my boss bought so I was grateful just to have one.I've been having a hard time finding tips lately, so I decided to look for a station for myself.After reading a ton of reviews I bought this Hakko 808 and I got to say, i must've been living in a closet.This thing is absolutely the best.I have it on the temp setting from the factory which is kinda midway and with the tip that it came with and it cleaned up all the mess of a board that the pace couldn't handle.nice clean holes.I guess there could be better, but this is best in class for me.a bonus is, it's portable.I would definitely take it out in the field.It is kinda expensive at $159(free shipping from amazon) just for a desolderer.but, i just did 10 holes in one pass in like 30 seconds.definitely a lifestyle changer, a stress reliever.nah, but i really do enjoy using it.i hate to say it sucks, but it sucks good!if you're like i was and can't make up your mind btwn the cheap one at that other site and the Hakko 808 at amazon.don't eat lunch for a month and buy the Hakko!!

it's been over a year now, and it still works great!

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Product Description:
Hakko 808 Desoldering Gun - The Hakko 808 Kit is a handy, portable desoldering tool with a built-in vacuum pump. No separate station is required. The unique design places the pump and motor above the grip. Delicate tasks are performed with greater ease; the tool can be used for long periods without operator fatigue. Pump maintenance is quick and easy - simply remove the cover. Adjustable temperature control (380-480°C/715-895°F). Kit includes: desoldering tool, solder tip, solder sock and case.

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5/04/2010

Review of Wall Lenk L96E Engraving Tool 120 VAC

Product is very handy for small detail work on metal.I use it to detail and sign my hand-crafted silver and base metal jewelry.


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5/03/2010

Review of Classic Easy-to-Use 60-Watt Pencil-Style Soldering Iron

it is a nice solder, if you intend to use it much buy more tips, as the tips tend to wear out quite quickly

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Product Description:
Excellent choice for precision work on electronics, jewelry, silver smithing, arts and crafts. Dimensions: length overall 8-1/2", element and tip 4-1/2", weight 4.7 oz including power cord.

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5/02/2010

Review of Weller Pro Series Battery Powered Soldering Iron

These do work, if only just.They are suitable for occasional light soldering jobs involving a small number of narrow guage wires, component leads and/or circuit board traces.Large wires, terminals or power/ground plane vias without thermal relief will draw away too much heat for the solder to melt.It doesn't help that the new tin/silver/copper alloy solders have a higher melting point and don't flow as well as tin/lead.If you need to solder heavier things, forget battery powered and get a corded soldering gun or iron.If you need to do a more than a small number of connections on circuit boards or are going to use it often, it would be better to invest in a controlled temperature soldering station.

Instead of using Alkaline batteries as the manufacturer recommends, I'd suggest NiMH rechargables with a fresh charge at the beginning of every job.Not only will it be cheaper to run, but I believe the NiMH cells have a higher sustained current output capacity which is what this kind of application demands.

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Product Description:
Heats Up To Working Temperature In Under 15 SecondsWhite Led Light Illuminates Working Surface Red & Green Leds Indicate Whether Power Is High Or Low Protective Safety Cap Turns Off Power When Placed On Tool Ideal For Field Service Repair On Small Parts & ComponentsIncludes Iron, Safety Cap, 4 Aa Batteries, Lead-free Solder & Tip Wrench

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5/01/2010

Review of Cooper Tools WP25 Weller

Weller has been the gold standard for ever! This TEMP CONTROLLED iron will run forever. The tip provided is way to big for printed circuit work, so order the smaller tip right away and you will increase the usefulness of this iron a whole bunch. Enjoy!

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Product Description:
Perfect for a variety of electronic soldering work, this top quality iron features a long life, double coated tip and a quick change, plug-in heater element. Lightweight handle includes a comfortable cushioned grip. Net weight: 1/2 lb.

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