Thsnks Jon. I’m in Canada so different selection and prices.
this “PTC Heater” is 110V and 220C,
a good temperature for a reflow plate:
https://www.amazon.ca/Thermostat-Constant-Temperature-Heating-Element/dp/B08LK7VN54/
not a full kit … needs legs and a plug…
hope you find something you like
the Bob_McBob approved model (lol) is this one for $50 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33022471796.html
the main difference is the temperature is adjustable. I use 200C for reflows, but I also use 100C for softening stubborn loctite… works nicely!
Thanks for the links Jon. The second one looks interesting but it’s $25 shipping on a $50 item.
oh, shipping to canada is higher…
this link comes out to $58 with shipping to Canada:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33022471796.html
good luck w your options… I hope you end up with a setup you like
Still says $25 but I’ll check Amazon too.
That would be plumber’s solder paste. The ZnCl will continue to be active after a reflow.
I don’t know of a solvent specific to neutralize, but experience says don’t electronically solder with acid paste. Things get corroded with time, especially with moisture. Perhaps your region is too dry for such, so tops for your location.
As I would occasionally re-flow, I’d use a 1” wide x 3” long 1/8” thick aluminum plate held in a table vice with a 2” overhang. Placed the MCPCB and heat it from underneath with a micro-torch. Much success on single emitters. Quick and no kitchen set-up.
Wanted to buy one of those UYUE hotplates (link) as Jon pointed out, but the shipping killed the deal. Then one winter storm day I found some random parts and made my own (which was more of an undertaking than I had expected) (link).
try reloading the page?
this is what I see:
.
FYI $19USD -> $25 CAD (approx.)
Edit: exchange rate 1 USD = 1.30 CAD
aha! thanks
$58 US to Canada
$50 US to USA
How about Vaseline?
I took over an old electric skillet that the family no longer used. It maxes out at 425F which is perfect for reflowing LEDs with MECHANIC Sn63/Pb37 soldering paste. And it smell like pancakes when it heats up!
It’s not hot enough to remove non-leaded reflowed LEDs, so I used my soldering iron to do that instead.
I don’t store my soldering paste in the fridge and it’s been working fine for many years. But it’s also down in the basement so it doesn’t get that warm.
