The Bromic Butane Soldering Iron, product number 1811642, is a versatile 3-in-1 micro torch/soldering iron designed for D.I.Y. soldering applications. It functions as a soldering iron, a hot blower, and a micro flame torch, offering flexibility for various tasks.
Function Description:
The primary function of this device is to provide a portable and convenient heat source for soldering, heating, and other related applications. It operates on butane gas, making it cordless and suitable for use in different environments.
- Soldering Iron: When the soldering tip is attached, the device functions as a soldering iron, providing concentrated heat for joining electronic components, wires, and other materials using solder. The soldering head is designed to move forward and backward, allowing for adjustment of the tip's position.
- Hot Blower: By disassembling the soldering tip and removing the spring-loaded tip adapter, the device transforms into a hot blower. This function is useful for tasks requiring a broader application of heat, such as heat shrinking, paint stripping, or thawing.
- Micro Flame Torch: The device can also be used as a micro flame torch, producing a precise flame for tasks like brazing, jewelry repair, or caramelizing food. The flame can be adjusted in strength.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific power output or temperature ranges are not explicitly detailed in the provided manual, the device's operation on butane gas implies a typical range of temperatures suitable for soldering and torch applications. It is a compact and portable unit, as indicated by its "micro torch" designation. The product comes with a 3-year warranty.
Usage Features:
The Bromic Butane Soldering Iron is designed with several user-friendly features:
- Easy Assembly and Disassembly: The soldering head and various tips can be easily assembled and disassembled by screwing the spring-loaded tip adapter clockwise for assembly and counterclockwise for disassembly. This allows for quick switching between different functions.
- Ignition Process: To ignite, the ON/OFF switch is moved to the ON position to release gas. The spring-loaded adapter is pushed upwards to expose the burner head, and an open flame (e.g., lighter or match) is applied to the ignition vent of the soldering tip. Once ignited, releasing the adapter causes the flame to disappear inside the metal sleeves, and the soldering head generates heat.
- Extinguishing: To extinguish the torch, the ON/OFF switch is simply moved to the OFF position.
- Flame Adjustment: A gas volume control lever allows users to adjust the flame strength. Moving the lever towards "+" increases the flame strength, while moving it towards "-" decreases it. Users are advised to decrease flame strength if the flame flares or extinguishes when at the "+" position to achieve an efficient flame.
- Gas Refilling: The torch requires high-quality butane for refilling. The process involves holding the torch upside down, inserting and pressing down the gas cylinder's nozzle into the gas filling valve. A complete fill typically takes 5-10 seconds. Refilling should stop once gas starts to overflow to prevent spitting. A five-minute stabilization period is recommended after refilling before lighting the torch.
- Versatile Tips: The manual illustrates three types of tips: a fine solder tip, a hot blower tip, and a micro flame tip, highlighting the device's adaptability to various tasks.
- Safety Considerations: The manual emphasizes several safety precautions, including maintaining good ventilation, wearing protective gear (goggles and gloves), avoiding breathing fumes, not modifying the torch, and ensuring the torch is cool before storage. It also warns against using the torch near flammable materials, storing it above 45°C, and overfilling with gas.
Maintenance Features:
While the manual does not detail extensive maintenance procedures, it provides crucial guidelines for safe operation and longevity of the device:
- Cooling Down: Users are instructed to allow the torch to cool down for at least five minutes after use and before refilling or storage. This prevents damage and ensures safety.
- Proper Storage: The device should be stored and transported upright. It should not be stored at temperatures above 45°C, such as in a car or prolonged sunlight.
- Cleanliness: Although not explicitly stated as a maintenance step, the warning against breathing welding/soldering fumes implies that proper ventilation and potentially cleaning of tips after use would contribute to safe operation and device longevity.
- Gas Quality: The recommendation to use "high quality butane" for refilling suggests that using appropriate fuel is a key aspect of maintaining the device's performance and preventing issues.
- Inspection: The manual implicitly encourages users to regularly check the device for damage, especially after dropping it, as ceramic parts could be broken. Any damaged torch should not be repaired by the user.
In summary, the Bromic Butane Soldering Iron is a multi-functional, portable, and user-friendly tool for DIY enthusiasts, offering a range of heating applications with a strong emphasis on safety and proper handling.