Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Detail Work, Rigging, Fittings, Figures Etc. => Topic started by: tizdaz on November 19, 2016, 06:03:30 am

Title: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: tizdaz on November 19, 2016, 06:03:30 am
I know it aint all singing & dancing and probably far too simple for some of you, but for myself as most of the soldering i do is just simple jobs like connectors etc, this is just the tool...and it cost under £5 posted :)


(http://www.cherryhilldaynursery.co.uk/bt/solder.jpg)

Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: john44 on November 19, 2016, 09:42:54 am
Couldn't agree more daz, I have 2 off them in regular use.


John
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: mrlownotes on November 19, 2016, 11:32:41 am
I use one for most of my soldering, but is a pain trying to hold 'Deans' connectors securely.
Also the magnifier got in the way more than being useful so it was removed.
Heavier cables, etc can drag it over so for extra stability I use a clamp on the edge of the workbench to secure it.
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: Crossie on November 19, 2016, 03:35:53 pm



 I'll echo what mrlownotes says about the stability in many positions of reach and loads, so I drilled a couple of holes in the base of one of mine and screwed it onto an old breadboard so it never tips and the loading is only limited by the grip of the thumbscrews, it is now much better to use, nothing worse than carefully setting up a complex soldering job and then a micro-touch with the soldering iron tips the whole shebang >>:-( 


 Trevor
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: tizdaz on November 19, 2016, 03:58:38 pm
hey :)


I will be using it for Deans shortly! ...aye i was thinking of removing the magnifying glass, so might just do that as i wont be using it, i will probably stick some velcro on the base to stop it from tipping over :)
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: chas on November 19, 2016, 04:33:16 pm
It's a really useful gadget, I use one all the time, but for cables and heavier bits I use one of those nasty little vices. They are a couple of quid from cheap shops and stalls and can be clamped to the bench when needed.
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: tizdaz on November 19, 2016, 05:02:18 pm
Ah yeh, i got one of them, a C clamp? :-)
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: RAAArtyGunner on November 19, 2016, 10:02:06 pm

HobbyKing sell a soldering aid that holds Deans, VT60 & bullet plugs for soldering. O0 O0
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: Stavros on November 19, 2016, 10:03:26 pm
hey :)


I will be using it for Deans shortly! ...aye i was thinking of removing the magnifying glass, so might just do that as i wont be using it, i will probably stick some velcro on the base to stop it from tipping over :)




TOP TIP.......instead of using the Deans type connectors ...use XTC 90...yes they are out of stock at the mo BUT I know Iain is expecting a del


http://www.componentshop.co.uk/leads-and-connectors/connectors/xt60-xt90-connector (http://www.componentshop.co.uk/leads-and-connectors/connectors/xt60-xt90-connector)


Far better than the Deans and If I am right in thinking they will carry far more current


Dave
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: chas on November 19, 2016, 10:19:09 pm
Hi Tizdaz, no, not a c clamp, a mini vice like I said. About 60x20 mm, with a clamp fastening. Got mine in a local market, 2 quid.
 Useful for holding cable when soldering or anything that needs a heat sink when soldering.

Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: tizdaz on November 20, 2016, 01:04:18 am
Ahh got ya, yeh think im gunna invest in 1 of those to, will be handy for drilling small parts etc
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: Nemo on November 28, 2016, 09:46:02 pm
Don't throw the magnifier away! I bought one of these from Lidl's - an improved version with a much larger glass and a light - and dirt cheap! Using the magnifier, this is a handy tool for painting small figures, not just soldering  :-))
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: Brian60 on December 03, 2016, 08:53:27 am
You can aid soldering small parts by filing off the teeth on the croc clips - make one side of the mouth smooth.
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: RAAArtyGunner on December 03, 2016, 09:14:09 am
You can aid soldering small parts by filing off the teeth on the croc clips - make one side of the mouth smooth.

Good tip  :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: barriew on December 03, 2016, 09:48:18 am
I put some silicone rubber fuel tube on my croc clips - much kinder to the cable :-)) %)


Barrie
Title: Re: Helping Hand Solder tool
Post by: Netleyned on December 03, 2016, 11:04:42 am
You can also solder small pieces of
Copper into the jaws of the croc clips
smooths them and acts as an efficient
heat sink when soldering small parts.


Ned