
AUTOFEED
Ceramic Core Soldering Iron
User Instructions
The AutoFeed allows you to feed solder to the tip matching the exact speed at which you solder with one hand! Single hand control makes it much easier to produce even-beaded seams than with a conventional iron! Soldering lamps and other 3 dimensional projects is faster and easier with one hand free. You won't need to use fixtures to set up 3 dimensional projects: Just hold the pieces with your free hand as you tack. It's fast and easy
Safety
- Always solder in a well ventilated area.
- Never eat, drink or smoke while soldering. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before doing anything else.
- Never rest a hot iron directly against work surfaces. Always use an iron stand to safely hold a hot iron away from work surfaces.
- Never leave your soldering iron plugged in and unattended.
Operating Instructions
Assembling the AutoFeed Stand
- The AutoFeed stand is packed flat in the original packaging. You have to "fold" it up into it's permanent working shape.
- lay the flat stand on table. Locate the front and rear "holder" sections of the stand. Put a sturdy ruler/straight edge along indicated fold line. While pressing firmly on the ruler, bend the front section upward until it is perpendicular. Repeat the step for rear.
- To fold the legs, place the stand with the leg fold line along a table edge and the leg portion extending outward. Bend leg downward into position. Repeat this step for the other leg.
Operating Your AutoFeed Soldering Iron
Step 1: Loading the Solder:
- Practice loading your iron when it is unplugged until you are comfortable with this procedure.
- Use solid core wire solder manufactured specifically for stained glass. Using lead nippers or wire cutters, cut a 12" to 18" length of solder from the roll. Keep the solder as straight as possible. Sharp bends and kinks will jam the feed mechanism. Make sure to straighten them out of the solder.
- Hold your AutoFeed so that the body of the iron rests in your palm. Your thumb should come over the top of the body while your index and middle fingers come under the trigger.
- Using your index and middle finger, pull the trigger upward, toward your thumb and hold.
- With your free hand, feed the length of solder into the hole located at the rear of the iron. Push with moderate force until the gears turn and grasp the solder.
- Hold the AutoFeed in your hand as you would a glue gun.
- Squeeze the trigger to advance the solder until it appears out the front end of the solder feed tube near the tip. Your AutoFeed is now ready for soldering
- Plug into an outlet and allow to heat for about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Soldering
- Although this iron maintains a constant temperature of 850º F, you may use a temperature control unit like the Inland MiniPhaser to lower the temperature for certain applications.
- Make sure that your lead came or copper foil is clean before soldering. Oxidized surfaces can be difficult to solder. Came can be cleaned with a medium gauge steel wool or brass brush. Copper foil should be cleaned with a very fine (0000 gauge) steel wool.
- Brush flux onto the came or copper foil.
- Always use a quality stained glass solder with at least 50% tin. Soldering is accomplished using single hand control. After fluxing, position the tip onto the seam and begin squeezing the trigger to feed the solder as you move down the seam. The rate you feed solder depends on how fast you move down the seam. With a little practice you will be making professional looking seams.
- As you use up a length of solder it will be fed free of the feed mechanism if you do not feed a length in behind it. Tilting the iron up slightly more will often feed the solder into the tip or add a new length of solder to "chase" the old one through.
Trouble Shooting
If the solder is not feeding properly:
- Review "loading section" .The solder may have a kink.
- The solder may not be engaged. Reload it.
- A solder "remnant" may be in the tube. If solder slides easily back and forth, grab it with a pair of pliers and gently pull it free or feed a new "stick" of solder into the gearing.
If the solder is not melting:
- Your tip temperature is too low.
- If using a temperature controller, turn it higher.
- Make sure the tip and holder nut are tight.
- The ceramic core is cracked and must be replaced.
- The iron is not plugged in.
Your tip is out of position in relation to the solder.
- Loosen the knurled nut holding the barrel (with pliers if it's hot) and realign the tip properly.
- Tighten the knurled nut.
Changing Tips
- Make sure the iron is cool.
- Loosen the nut at the end of the barrel by turning counterclockwise.
- Remove the tip and replace with new tip. Make sure you have the correct tip for your iron type.
- Secure the tip by replacing the nut and tightening until snug.
Maintenance
- Keep your iron tip clean while soldering while wiping on a damp sponge.
- Never use abrasive materials to clean your iron tips.
- Avoid dropping and banging your iron as this may break the ceramic core.
Parts
Replacement Tips:
- Premium 1/8" Decorative Tip - Stock no. 60136
- Premium 1/4" Decorative Tip - Stock no. 60138
Ceramic Core - Stock no. 60129
Service
If you have any questions or comments regarding the use of this or any Inland product please call Inland Customer Service at 1-800-521-8428 9 AM to 5 PM EST. or write us at:
Inland Craft Products, Co.
32052 Edward Dr.
Madison Heights, MI 48071 USA
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