Glastar Soldering Iron Temperature Control Manual

GLASTAR

SOLDERING IRON CONTROL

iron control pic 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

1. 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.
2. Plug your iron into the control, and set the control to FULL and wait approximately 2 minutes.
3. 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.
4. 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.
1. If the iron melts slowly thru the solder or the puddle of solder is mushy (rather than liquid), your iron is still too cool. Wait 20 seconds and try Step 4 again (for a 140 watt or larger iron, it may require 6 or more minutes). If it is still too cool, keep repeating the 20 second wait until you are successful in Step 4.
2. If, on the initial test you burned thru the lead, turn your control to OFF and wait 20 seconds and test again. If it is still too hot, keep repeating the 20 second wait until you are successful in Step 4.

HOW TO KEEP THE IRON AT THE PROPER TEMPERATURE AS YOU SOLDER

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

WARRANTY
This Soldering Iron Control is warranted against failure for 1 year from the date of purchase. If it should fail during that period, just return it to your dealer with proof of purchase date and it will be exchanged for a new unit.

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ELECTRICAL INFORMATION

Type of Control: Bimetal Regulator
Voltage: 120 Volts
Maximum Current: 15 Amps
Maximum Load: 1800 Watts