Build Idea: A soldering iron that extrudes it's own solder

This isn't  a new idea - I think there was a post about such a thing on E14 a couple of years ago.

There is some information here:

http://www.solidsmack.com/design/solder-buddy-keeps-the-hot-solder-aflowin/

And of course you can buy an iron with a built in feeder for £14.94.

MK

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your reply. I've looked at your link, and while that's a handy tool, it's not what I'm describing. The link you posted would still require you to use your second hand to hold the solder. What I'm referring to is that the solder iron ITSELF is the extruder, so that the solder feeds into the hot tip of the iron thereby freeing up your left hand.

Eli V.

Yes I know, like this:

http://www.cybermarket.co.uk/shop/tools/soldering-irons-stations/soldering-gun-with-automatic-497690.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=H7Media&gclid=CjwKEAiAh7WkBRCQj-_zwZvk52ISJADj7z8C-13TyIV83t1Fv1JSaJSDKZT7IubNtqeWxjMFSnfkXBoCOnDw_wcB

Just use some clips, wire, whatever to fix the solder buddy to the standard iron.

I'll mention, in passing, that I've been soldering for slightly over 50 years and never felt the need for such a thing !

MK

oh, i see now. Looks a little clunky to really use comfortably. I guess this is more about convenience than necessity anyway!

Hi Eli,  Part of the problem would be retention of the flux that is inherent in the solder. If the solder was preheated and pumped through the tip this flux would not be where and when it is needed. I do understand what you are getting at and I use a technique sometimes where after tinning my components I will put a little solder on the tip and carry it to the application site. Your idea could perhaps be developed for applications where there is continuous soldering like an assembly line. This way the flux would not have time to all boil off before application. As ideas go this is not a bad one.

John

I'll mention, in passing, that I've been soldering for slightly over 50 years and never felt the need for such a thing !

Not quite the same time, but after 40 or so years I've become very handy at holding the solder and the part as well.

I wonder if the issue you are trying to solve is more to do with technique.

Lately I've been teaching pupils to solder and they can make it very awkward for themselves, which makes it very hard, and once shown a good technique improve and relax much more.

Mark

Yeah I had a go  with a feeder mechanism once and I found it much harder than to feed it through manually because you can control the feed and angle manually and it's always right when you practice