For another project we are working on we have some 1/8″ clear acrylic we are looking at.  As long as it was on the desk I thought I’d try forming it with the Pro50 and the torch head.  Sure enough, after a pretty short time – 15 seconds? I was able to put a nice free form 90º angle in the material.  The ends of the corners swelled out a little with the bend.

I also took a small strip and bent it along the cut axis and again got a little swelling on the inside corner and thinning on the outside corner.  This one didn’t look as nice as  the first one because of the orientation of the bend.  Either way though it was really easy to bend.  I look forward to doing some localized forming and shaping with it too.

So, the question of the day was will the solder paste solder zinc alloy.  Zinc alloy is pretty broad range of materials and so the first answer was – I don’t know.  That’s pretty weak so we found a zinc die cast part we use and tested it.  This was a Zinc AG40A die cast, unplated zinc material.  We tested the solder in some porous sections and between the threads.  In both cases the paste did not adhere well to the zinc die cast.  We tried again on a nickle plated zinc part and got the same results.

I have used Wahl (Editor’s note: Wahl = Iso-Tip) Cordless Soldering irons for many years. But the one issue I notice is the push button to press the contacts together to make a connection to the batteries. It seems that there is no positive contact for that connection. In taking the unit apart, there is a plastic button that pushes the contacts together. In making a connection to supply a large amount of current to heat up the tip, I think a knife blade type of connection would work better. I know space is limited, but it could be done. I am a long-time Solidworks user and thought I might be able to model the connection redesign. Even if the iron was a little higher in height as it lays on a flat surface there would be more room for the improved switch contact. I am presently using a Model 7700 which I have altered slightly. I’ve had it for two years and the batteries are still taking a charge. You do have a good product if only there was a better way of making a connection. I noticed that the contact points get corroded/pitted. I cleaned these with a small flat file. The issue you are dealing with is supplying probably more than two amps to heat up the tip and how to make the best connection in a positive way, but the push button is not the best way. Let me know your thoughts on this. Thank you. – Robert

We agree with Robert on his assessment of the current contact arrangement. But before making any significant redesigns we want to give ourselves a few years of really managing the product line and getting to know how we can best improve it. In the mean time, we’d love to learn of any and all improvements you’d make to the line.

Now, without further ado,  it’s time to find the contact points. Open up your rechargeable soldering iron by unscrewing the casing so that you’re looking at something like this:

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Locate the contact points and then file away any corrosion to keep the connection clean and your iron working like new.
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It’s always the little things that make a difference, isn’t it? Thanks so much for sharing your insight Robert! What do you guys think? Have improvement ideas for the Iso-Tip line? What do you do to maintain your soldering iron?

Good news! (Especially for those of you with older Iso-Tip soldering irons.) We’ve learned that Batteries Plus can rebuild old Iso-Tip batteries. So, if you happen to own a model we no longer manufacture, Batteries Plus may be able to help extend the tool’s life by rebuilding the battery. One of our fellow Wisconsinites passed on that little tid-bit of information after he had his 7500 series rebuilt in November. (Thank you, Steve!) And with more than 380 locations in 43 states, you sure to find a Batteries Plus near you. For location information, visit their website.

Do you have an older Iso-Tip soldering iron? After all these years, how do you keep it maintained and in working order? Inquiring minds want to know.

You think you know, but you don’t. Watching this talk by Mike Rowe, the host of the Discover Channel’s Dirty Jobs, will make you think twice about what you think you know. Ah…to be humbled by experience. Classic.

Where can I find replacement parts for Iso-Tip products?
Check out our Products Page for more info.

What products are in the Iso-Tip line?
Check out our Products Page for the full line-up.

How do I return something?
Check out our RMA Page to discover how it’s done.

Need More Help?

We are in the office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. CST. Contact us how you see fit:

Email: info@Iso-Tip.com

Phone: (715) 831-6353

Fax: (419) 818-0897

Mail: Iso-Tip, 704 Bartlett Avenue, Altoona, WI 54720

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The customer, John, was looking for a replacement lamp socket. This is our part #W00176-100.

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He found a really good version of it at Radio Shack.  The Radio Shack version has an isolated mounting tab so it can even be screwed to the housing to secure it better.

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We have not tested it here yet so standard legalease / common sense applies – use at your own risk.  That said we have one on order so we’ll find out soon enough.

Also we are making more and more parts available for folks to fix their own units or for making other stuff. We’ll be selling the W00176-100 at $0.45 each if anybody needs one.

So go on! Burn things. Torch stuff. Make your friends jealous. What else is there – that is (of course) aside from the plethora of feature-filled insightful details below?

Aforementioned plethora of feature-filled insightful details:

• Piezo wind-resistant and water-proof auto-ignition system
• Up to 30 minutes of continuous operation
• Instant 2400°F pinpoint flame
• Refillable .18 ounce (5 gram) transparent fuel tank
• Blue LED light glows while torch is ignited
• Operates using butane fuel only
• Packaged with full fuel tank
• Fuel tank fill-valve centered on the easy-to-use twist flame adjuster
• Protective flip-open cap
• 1″ key chain with 7/8″ hoop
• Pocket-sized: 1.4″ long, 2.8″ high, .8″ deep
• Weight (when filled): 1.6 ounces (46 grams)
• Handy amusing instructions and insightful smart aleck warnings included (see below)

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Ready to add the Smart Torch Titan to your line up? As a cross between a disposable lighter and professional torch, this high-style and high-performance tool is perfect as a gift, promotional give-away or addition to your tool box. Plus, by ordering now you’ll get to look forward to receiving a bubble-wrapped package in a few days – and you know that’s exciting.

Just imagine this:

in bubble wrap. Enough said. Except you may want to know that the model number for the Smart Torch Titan is 9004, list price is $9.95 and you can order by clicking here.

So, what do you think of the Smart Torch Titan? Any place in particular where you’d like to see it sold? How have you used the tool? Do tell!