Electrode Size COLUMN BY RICHARD VENSEL More and more rebuilders are using carbon or other material electrodes with their resistance soldering units in- stead ofa soldering iron or gun. They are using these elec- trodes to solder or silver solder all con- nections in all their units. To get the best results in the least amount of time without excess elec- trode wear caused by overheating, use the proper size electrode for the job. The key point to keep in mind is the heat developed is based on the size of the carbons and the wattage output rating of the power supply. Normal carbons vary in size from 3/32 to 1/2. The larger the diameter of the electrode the less the resistance and the more current flow and the hotter a solder joint gets. To get the best results match the electrode size to the connection size. Many smaller electrodes do the job and will last longer. Also note that the closer the electrode and the ground connection are the faster the solder joint can be made. Richard Vensel is owner of Vensel Enterprises, Crystal Lake, IL. AUGUST, 2001 Page 1 of 1