Kimble wrote:My coat hanger is too thick, and didn't heat up. I need to find a smaller gauge wire.
Texas Zepher wrote:Of course it works, I've been doing that for years. I thought everyone knew about that "trick".  ...I often use coat hangers.
Texas Zepher wrote: I often use coat hangers.
I forgot that one. Duh. I must be getting old.
I've done that myself. And ... coathanger wire has more resistance than copper, so it will simultaneously heat better and allow less current flow. A triple bonus! (with the stiffness)
Coathangers also make good ammeter shunts.
Karl
The mind is like a parachute. It works better when it's open. www.stremy.net
It will work but it will get exessively hot in a hurry. Work fast and let it cool down frequently. The commercial cutters that I have seen are less than 50 watts. If your gun has a dual heat switch use it on the lower setting. You can also buy exacto knife checks that screw into smaller soldering irons.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow