Solder Paste and Flux 'gun' for syringes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 06:00:27 pm
content: In another thread there was some discussion of handles for use with solder paste or flux syringes. There are handles available from soldering equipment manufacturers such as OKI/Metcal, ChipQuick etc. but they tend to be expensive at around $75The same designs of 'gun' handle is used in the pest control trade for the deployment of bait from 30ml syringes. These are often far cheaper to buy. The OEM for the handle is not known but it crops up in all manner of trades so may be available from builders merchants and even fishing shops !I found the pest control type handle for only £9 each from a surplus dealer. The packaging indicates that they are a NATO item for pest control and mine are un-issued MoD surplus.The standard 30ml syringes with a 22mm bore attaches securely to the handle and a piston is driven into the syringe. These are designed to work with products that do not already have a plunger fitted. Versions are available for the soldering industry that accept the smaller 10ml syringes. It is only the dimensions of the syringe holder and piston that change. It would not be very difficult to fit a 10ml syringe holder, as used with air powered dispensers, and to reduce the size of the plunger to suit the smaller syringes.In true EEVBlog tradition, I took my gun handle apart. It was good that I did as I discovered that the unit has two piston travel settingsIt was set to the higher setting of approx 5mm travel per complete trigger pull. In the lower setting it produces approximately 2.5mm of piston travel. Lesser piston movement is under the control of the user via the amount of trigger movement applied. Having tried both, I prefer the lower setting as it has a nice controllable movement and action. The higher setting seemed a bit course for electronics work. The high and low setting is accomplished by selecting which of two available trigger pivot points is used. The whole unit has only one piece of metal in it (excluding the case screws), and that is the trigger pivot. Everything else appears to be made of nylon. It is quite a neat design and works well.My units came from this auction:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151953788481?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITI attach some pictures for your interestFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 06:02:15 pm
content: More pictures

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 06:35:57 pm
content: The MD100 from Magnum looks interesting as well. It costs approx £13 which isn't bad at all.http://www.magnumproducts.co.za/MD100.htmlhttp://www.magnumonline.co.za/collections/accessoriesFraser

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 06:45:31 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on February 24, 2016, 06:35:57 pmExcept that apparently you can't buy one unless you are in South Africa.If you try to order online, the only choice available for Country is South Africa.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 06:49:54 pm
content: Hmmmm maybe one of our SA resident members could assist us ?Fraser

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 09:04:03 pm
content: Excellent photos, and what a nice surprise with the discovery of the two different travel distances per trigger cycle.

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 10:05:42 pm
content: I seem to recall Dave getting one of those Magnums as a mail bag gift, it was part of some crowdfunded campaign. I don't think he has tried it. The critical problem with both these devices and any ratcheting system is they only go one way, nosuck back. Mike menci the guy building and selling the stepper motor driven device in the other thread also didn't implement suck back until version 3.0 of his software. It is one of the main features that separates the higher end professional dispensers from manual ones. Even the <$100 dollar chinese compressed air dispensers have adjustable suck back. Otherwise you have to keep the tip moving as the shit dribbles out and you smear it everywhere.Excellent tear down and photos Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 10:50:23 pm
content: I should also state that I am uncertain how useful the bulky gun handle will be. I bought it to apply flux that requires less precision but It's size may make it awkward for precision jobs.Interesting to read your comment on the suck back function. I can see the issue...... There is nothing worse than a dribbling tip !Fraser