Dura tool adjustable temperature soldering iron

Discussion in 'Tools' started by Toto, Jan 1, 2018.

  1. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    I've just not long since bought one of these originally for using for white metal but I have recently been using it on etched brass kits. I have been using the pointy tip that came with the iron and what a great iron.
    [​IMG]

    Its cheap and so are the tips compared with the other offerings out there and I find it a dream to use. Of course, it might not be for everyone but going on my present results ...... I'm having another. :avatar: check them out as they are good.
    I'll let you know how I get on with the white metal
    cheers
    toto
     
  2. Ben Alder

    Ben Alder Full Member

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    Did you find the pointy tip worked OK? I've always used chisel tips and have a similar type station but the lack of such tips has put me off using it; that and managing to resist building any more white metal locos...
     
  3. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Hi Richard, I have only used it on brass so far and found the pointed tip to be fine. I have ordered further tips ranging img from 1.5 mm to 3 mm in size as ther will probably be an advantage to using them on bigger pieces but to be honest, the small tip seems to work adequately and I find you have terrific control on the amount of solder placed.

    I recently sW them on eBay for about £11.00 odds and ordered a further two. One specifically for white metal and one to offer up as a prize in a future competition.

    They are very good for the money. You can get a variety of replacement tips and they range from a pound odds to a couple of pound and are readily available.

    I'd recommend them

    Cheers

    Toto
     
  4. Ben Alder

    Ben Alder Full Member

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    Thanks, I'll have a look. Already have a collection of irons and a station, but maid of all work is a S R B adjustable iron that I can't remember the wattage of as it has worn off the handle. Think it is 25w as it struggles a bit with white metal castings, so your one might be of interest.
     
  5. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Hi Richard,

    The Duratool is a 48 watt version. Should do most things.

    :thumbs:
     
  6. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

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    One thing worth checking Toto is whether you can get spare heating elements for them - when I was using a Maplins brand 48 watt solder station as my main iron I went through a few.

    Something else worth mentioning is that I don't use a wet sponge or variant thereof for cleaning my iron - I am pretty sure this accelerated the failure of the heating elements

    Initially I bought a quite expensive (£10) alternative which to be fair came with a holder

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    Now I replace the inserts with these which are buttons from the supermarket and do exactly the same job - Sold as Stainless steel pan scrubbers.

    [​IMG]
    Since changing to an ERSA 80 watt solder station for my main unit (I have a cheapo similar to yours for whitemetal) I have had neither failures of heating element or the need to replace the tip in the last 3 or 4 years. As you can see it gets a lot of use:avatar:
     

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