[Elecraft] Stripping & Tinning Enameled Wire - Fast, Easy, Reliably

[Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP]

The tool also tins litz wire effectively, not to mention making 
non-destructive removal of components child's play. It was very 
expensive in Israel (you can only buy it through their local 
representative, who doubles the price), but I have no regrets about 
buying it.

I installed an eyebolt in a convenient place in the back of the housing 
so I can hang it up, and I just clamp the eyebolt in a vise when I want 
to use it for tinning enameled or litz wire.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
CWops #5
Formerly K2VCO
https://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 24/12/2021 6:49, SteveL wrote:
> Jerry, Years ago when I built my K2, somewhere I learned a Hakko 808
> desolating tool was also an excellent enameled wire stripper and
> tinning device.   The 808 has been replaced by the FR-301 but I would
> expect similar results from this newer tool.  Either are stand-alone
> desoldering guns with heated hollow tip and built in vacuum.
> 
> Here’s how to use… - Prop the tool upright - I wedge mine in a
> partially opened drawer of my work desk. - Melt a blob of fresh
> solder on the hollow tip. - Slowly insert an inch of enameled wire
> into the hollow tip and observe the insulation melt/burn away. - In a
> second or two, activate the trigger turning on the vacuum.  Instantly
> the solder blob is whisked away along with the melted enamel
> insulation leaving a beautiful tinned wire ready for soldering into
> your project.
> 
> When I discovered this “secret” all my problems and fears of
> preparing toroid leads vanished.  Strangely, I actually look forward
> to winding toroids!  I probably use the tool more for stripping
> enameled wire than desoldering.  This was a game changer for me.
> After building the K2, I went on to construct a K1 and KX1.
> 
> And, the tool conveniently doubles as a desoldering tool!!
> 
> 73, Steve AA8AF
> 
>> 
>>> My K2 PLL problems all originated in one inadequately tinned
>>> toroid wire.
>> 
>> *** After having a few projects borked because of this exact issue,
>> I broke down and bought a magnet wire stripper on Amazon.
>> 
>> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09695CHTH
>> 
>> Basically a Chinese copy of a really expensive German tool.  It has
>> blades that close down on the wire with centripetal force.  Works
>> great for thicker wires, but is not reliable with really thin ones
>> - it can just chop the wire off.  I seem to remember the cutoff
>> being around 24AWG.
>> 
>> The tool paid for itself on one KW Low Pass Filter project.
>> 
>> - Jerry KF6VB