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…..........................................--- Solder Misc. ---

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Solderable Magnet Wire:

I've used magnet wire on some decoder installs. I like it because it is so thin but don't like removing the insulation from it. I usually burn it off with the soldering iron.

Recently came across the magnet wire shown above where the insulation is also a flux. You don't need to remove it as it will act like a flux when you go to solder the wire.

I've only done a test of soldering it and tinning the ends (above) and so far I'm impressed and will try using it the next time I need to use magnet wire. The spool was about $12 and I think has over 2000 feet on it so I'll never run out. If you want to try some make a $1.00 paypal donation to my site to cover postage and I'll send you 20 feet or so to try out. The 38 AWG was the smallest they had but I can't image working with anything smaller.

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Layout Power -- Handy for soldering on the layout:

I have a number of power strips at the workbench with one dedicated to soldering and the warning light. At the layout I added ….

…. 110v outlets around the perimeter of the layout just behind and below the fascia. It will be very easy to now use the work station at the layout since I can plug into any of those. They have proven to be much better than dragging extension cords around the layout when working on it and I also have the DCC-EX Command Station, track power supplies and the 5 volt power supply all plugged into those outlets. More on them ( HERE ).

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The metal stand had a tab off to one side on the top. I drilled a 1/4” hole in it and mounted a bolt there to hold the spool of solder. It will be a good storage spot for it and I could leave it there but usually have the solder down on the work surface with a foot to two pulled out for use.

The other soldering station works great at the workbench but this will actually be better at the layout.

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Warning Lights: I go a little overboard on lights that remind me that I have soldering irons on, hot wire foam cutters on and/or the layout power on.

The light above is at the work station where I do a lot of soldering.

The light above is on any time I'm using the hot wire foam cutters. Not a good idea to leave the work area with one of them on.

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The light above is not so much a safety issue. It lets me know if the power supplies for the track boosters and for the 5 volt power or on. The shop is large so it is nice to look back before I go in the house and see if there are any red lights burning.

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