DIY Hot Air Soldering Iron

Step 3 Add heat exchanger

In order to effectively heat the air, we have to do something to increase the surface area it passes over. I was hoping to use copper rather than stainless steel for this; but I couldn't find any copper scouring pads. The closest thing available was the "Chore Boy" stainless steel scouring pads. I feel however, that if it were available, copper would be superior. As you can see in the picture, simply stuff a few strands into the end of the heating element. Be careful not to get too much. You should test blow into the end of the heating element and make sure air still flows relatively unobstructed.

Note: Stainless Steel can catch fire... Use copper if at all possible

Comments

[carlitoscr]

Well, I think you can use a piece of copper solder wick as your heat exchange element. you can either place the piece of solder wick as it is (being careful it doesn't offer too much resistence to the air flow) or you can take your time to separate all the copper threads and then make a small ball with them (be carefull not to compress that ball, it has to be porous). Use the porous copper thread ball as your heat exchange element. Good luck!

[Ian01]

These wicks usually contain rosin flux, which could be detrimental. On the other hand, you might get vaporized flux that could help with the desoldering.

[conny17017]

How about using some of the woven copper or aluminum jacketing on coax cables

[Polymorph]

The aluminum will corrode quickly in the heat, don't know how much that will affect it. Good idea, though.

[Ian01]

The copper would probably work, but I wouldn't use aluminium because its melting point may be too low. That's why it isn't used for model rocket launch stands. Those have steel blast plates.

[beehard44]

i melted aluminum with the whoosh rocket once

[techno guy]

Can you use steel wool for the heat exchanger?

[Mirage_662]

Thermal lance anyone?

[charper]

I wouldn't. Steel wool can be flammable.

[ronmaggi]

 Boating goods stores sell bronze wool, would that work well for the heat exchanger?

[JayWDavis]

Thanks for sharing your design. Another source for stranded copper wires is regular old phone cord. The easiest way to remove the insulation (once the outter cover is removed) is to sever it with the soldering iron and it slides right off

[m1kta]

I meant RG316 but you could also use RG213.

[m1kta]

The copper braid from RG58/RG312 would be as good if not better than the scouring pad stuff. And doesn't contain the solder flux desoldering braid does... you could always just warm/heat the desolder braid until it just smokes with a blow torch and once cool wash it with water/liquid detergent if realled needed.