Tim
September 22nd, 2006, 05:10 AM
This is a short follow up to the soldering threads from last month. I recently went out and purchased one of those “Cold Heat” soldering kits ($19.00). Talk about an easy to change out those pups, caps and pots on your favorite guitar! No more worry about too hot of an iron burning/melting wires or the internal properties of components. These soldering kits can be purchased at Radio Shack or Home Depot. The more I use Cold Heat Soldering, the more I like it. The learning curve is very quick. The major trick is to use fresh batteries during the practice tests. After which it is a peace of cake to use.
The Cold Heat Soldering Tool uses 4 AA batteries to operate and has interchangeable split-tips. The Cold Heat Solder tool heats to 800 degrees instantly, cools to the touch instantly and weighs about 10 ounces. Available tips include conical, beveled and chisel shapes, all of which are made with a proprietary, patented material called Athalite. The unit has a work light which illuminates the area to be soldered and an indicator light to tell you the tip is hot. Cold Heat work great with wires of 18AWG to 20AWG and can be used with acid or rosin core solder.
In order to use the Cold Heat Soldering you must take time to practice. You need to learn which tip is best for the job you’re doing and the angle needed to approach your work. The tip is a split tip and must be laid across the area that will be soldered. This all takes practice to become skillful in using. After a few experiments you’re on your way to soldering your new modifications with worrying about overheating components.
The Cons: It takes power to generate enough heat to melt solder, especially when connecting or desoldering. The four AA batteries powering the Cold Heat tool can only supply a comparatively limited amount of energy. Consequently, the Cold Heat tool is good only for small tasks. Battery life depends on the number of times and size of the task. Best used for small jobs.
The Pros: It gets the job done. The Cold Heat tool is portable and wireless. It will fit into your pocket or tool box and carries easily and cools quickly. All of which are definite pluses especially for quick, small, emergency repairs. Excellent for guitar and amplifier modifications.
Cold Heat Quick Start Guide:
http://www.coldheat.com/uploadedFiles/STC_QSG(web).pdf
Cold Heat Manual:
http://www.coldheat.com/uploadedFiles/ST_English.pdf
The Classic and Pro Soldering Tool Kits
http://www.coldheat.com/uploadedFiles/ProClassicCompWeb.pdf
Cold heat FAQ:
http://www.coldheat.com/support.cfm?section=faq
The Cold Heat Soldering Tool uses 4 AA batteries to operate and has interchangeable split-tips. The Cold Heat Solder tool heats to 800 degrees instantly, cools to the touch instantly and weighs about 10 ounces. Available tips include conical, beveled and chisel shapes, all of which are made with a proprietary, patented material called Athalite. The unit has a work light which illuminates the area to be soldered and an indicator light to tell you the tip is hot. Cold Heat work great with wires of 18AWG to 20AWG and can be used with acid or rosin core solder.
In order to use the Cold Heat Soldering you must take time to practice. You need to learn which tip is best for the job you’re doing and the angle needed to approach your work. The tip is a split tip and must be laid across the area that will be soldered. This all takes practice to become skillful in using. After a few experiments you’re on your way to soldering your new modifications with worrying about overheating components.
The Cons: It takes power to generate enough heat to melt solder, especially when connecting or desoldering. The four AA batteries powering the Cold Heat tool can only supply a comparatively limited amount of energy. Consequently, the Cold Heat tool is good only for small tasks. Battery life depends on the number of times and size of the task. Best used for small jobs.
The Pros: It gets the job done. The Cold Heat tool is portable and wireless. It will fit into your pocket or tool box and carries easily and cools quickly. All of which are definite pluses especially for quick, small, emergency repairs. Excellent for guitar and amplifier modifications.
Cold Heat Quick Start Guide:
http://www.coldheat.com/uploadedFiles/STC_QSG(web).pdf
Cold Heat Manual:
http://www.coldheat.com/uploadedFiles/ST_English.pdf
The Classic and Pro Soldering Tool Kits
http://www.coldheat.com/uploadedFiles/ProClassicCompWeb.pdf
Cold heat FAQ:
http://www.coldheat.com/support.cfm?section=faq