Fig. 6.—Hatchet Soldering Bit
As to the size of bit required, for ordinary small work the straight type should not be less than 8 oz. or 10 oz. (weight of the actual copper).
Two bits are very useful in doing a large job, as the work can then be arranged to progress continuously, one bit heating while the other is in use.
A bit suitable for quite light work can be easily made by drilling and tapping a piece of copper, say 1⁄2 in. by 1⁄2 in. by 11⁄2 in. long, either in the end or in the side, for a 3⁄16-in. steel rod 12 in. long, a handle being then fitted at the other end.
In the “Tinol” telescopic soldering bit for amateurs’ use, the handle is in three parts: (a) the actual wooden handle bushed with metal, and provided with a set-screw shaped like a screw eye, and therefore easily turned; (b) a steel tube which telescopes into the first part, and which is also provided with a set-screw; and (c) a short rod, having at one end a hatchet-shaped copper bit. The extreme length of the tool is 12 in., and the length, when the parts are telescoped together, is about 5 in.
The “Fluxite” bit is larger and heavier. It has a hollow cast-iron handle, perforated to dissipate the heat, threaded internally at one end to receive the screwed end of the iron stem, only 5 in. or so in length, which at the other end screws into an adapter or holder which, in turn, receives the screwed end of the copper bolt, itself about 4 in. long. The bit is taken to pieces in a few moments, and is quite a workmanlike tool.
Fig. 7.—Spirit-heated Bit