tools, materials & knowledge for model makers
The Sistotech micro butane torch is easy to use, easy to refill and perfect for the model makers bench. This little torch fits in the hand perfectly, the gas container is just the right size to grip. I’ve just been using this for some silver soldering on the fuel tank of the Enjomor Whippet engine. … Read more
Prometheus kiln handle designed and made by Alan at Woody’s Workshop. The Prometheus kilns are quite small and a reasonable weight at just under 6kg. But they can still be awkward to move around. In my small workshop I find myself keeping the kiln in it’s original packaging when not in use. Thus protecting it from knocks … Read more
Initial Seekone heat gun review looking at what comes in the package, specification and initial switch on and testing. My Black & Decker hot air gun finally gave up after 27 years. Over that time it has been used in a number of house renovations and for soft soldering. The heat gun soft soldering for … Read more
I acquired a very old tin of Fry’s Fluxite flux paste, it must be around 40 years old. Well beyond the 5 year shelf life recommended by the manufacturers. However, I used it and it worked really well, but now makes me wonder how good a fresh tin of it would be? “Cleanliness is most … Read more
A friend mentioned soldering with hot air to me and that this is quite normal in the electronics industry. Must admit that I had not thought of it before. The hornplates and tub for my Burrell traction engine needed soldering together. I tried with a large 75W soldering iron and it was ok, but I … Read more
Can silver soldering with a kiln create better quality joints? I bought a small kiln for heat treating parts and enameling. Then I thought about what else I could do with a kiln. Initially I tried using silver solder paste from CooksonGold. This silver solder paste works really well using a blowtorch. However, in the … Read more
Prometheus Mini Kiln PRO-1 PRG is a small electric kiln of 700W and able to reach 1000°C. The chamber is small at 115 x 130 x 70mm but very usable. The real beauty of this for me as a model maker is the ability to heat treat small metal parts as this kiln has a … Read more
Whilst making some of the parts for the miniature traction engine I wanted a much finer silver soldered joint and so I bought some Cooksongold Silver Solder Paste to try. The silver solder is available in three different temperature ranges. I used the easy or lower temperature range product. Easy: melting range of 705°C – … Read more
A review of the Antex XS25 Soldering Iron. I′ve had a 15W Weller soldering iron for around 15 years and up until last weekend was no trouble. Then it just stopped. So time to look for a new soldering iron – turn to the internet and reviews. The most favoured make appears to be Antex. … Read more
A review of the simple Glass Alcohol Burner. I’ve had this glass methylated spirits burner for around 10 years and I use it regularly when I need to heat a larger than normal part for soldering. The body and top is made from moulded glass with a ground interface between the two parts. A very … Read more