martin collins 1 Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 I have an unbranded covering iron that looks very much like the TopFlite one, i have been using this for over twenty years and i still does a good job but the teflon coating has worn away at the top end now so i am thinking of getting a new one. Someone gave me a new different make one several years ago and it did not seem to do the job as well so i passed it on again, which ones do you find best for you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Gray Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 I use the cheap HK one - HERE Has served me well over the last few years, Teflon has stood up quite well and temp gauge (mine is the non digital one) isn't too bad. I also bought a cheap travel iron for larger surfaces but that really doesn't get used that much as I seem to go for the turning one each time and sometimes can't be bothered to change over, mid-cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 My old one wore out. I now use HK iron, same a Ron’s. Does the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Collinson Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 replaced a 30 yr old one with a Prolux digital. Heaps easier. Plus one for baby socks (see parallel thread) and meths. BTC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrunner Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 Just like Martin my old covering iron needed replacing and I've been putting it off as although my 25+iron works ok the Teflon coating is coming off. I've just bought from a deceased modelers estate a Prolux digital, it so much easier to use just setting the temperature and seeing from the readout when it has reached the correct setting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 Got both same as outrunner, use the old one mostly it feels right, don't need a gauge I know it off by heart, teflons worn, I only Iron edges heat gun for stretching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrunner Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 The problem John with using a heat gun for shrinking is no control over temperature. Solarfilm is (was) the most sensitive to overheating. It looks fine when you shrink it but come a sunny days it goes all wrinkly and can't be re shrunk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 Hold it near and longer, hot, move away and for less time control, it's a skill I acquired. Not everything in life needs numbers or a meter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 John, you are right. I used to agree with you, but an iron does the job. Just shrink it slowly until done. Bonus, one tool not two. The skill lies in tacking it down, so the stuff will shrink until done. And if not tacked down well, no heat source will get it tight. Your method works, but the initial tacking is the key. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad_flyer Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 I have the Prolux digital, it was the freebie when I subscribed to the magazine. Before that I borrowed an older one from a friend. It had a much nicer balance in the hand. I felt much more connected to the place I was covering, and I had a much better view of the edge of the iron. The shoe was narrower but a little deeper than the Prolux, with a flatter foot. Unfortunately I had to give it back... I also use a heat gun, but I have always had one with a variable heat dial. It makes a heat gun so much easier to use, whether paint stripping or shrinking film. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 52 minutes ago, Don Fry said: John, you are right. I used to agree with you, but an iron does the job. Just shrink it slowly until done. Bonus, one tool not two. The skill lies in tacking it down, so the stuff will shrink until done. And if not tacked down well, no heat source will get it tight. Your method works, but the initial tacking is the key. Yes Don, but I still have some hair, so blow dry it at the same time, Iron leaves marks on some coverings and on my head. ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Fisher Posted October 6, 2021 Share Posted October 6, 2021 I've never had a "proper" covering iron. At first I used the ordinary domestic iron until spouse complained about coloured marks on clothing. ? since then I have used a small travel iron which has always worked well for me. Temperature is measured using a Coverite thermometer which IMO is an essential piece of equipment when using this sort of iron. Malcolm 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted October 6, 2021 Share Posted October 6, 2021 It’s also very good for getting the temperature of a bake stone right for Welch cakes, scotch pancakes, and baking breads on a stones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin collins 1 Posted October 7, 2021 Author Share Posted October 7, 2021 Well it darn tooting serves me right for starting this thread! I was going to put a new covering iron on my Christmas list so i would get peoples recommendations, i am half way through covering my DB Moth with Polyspan and my iron has packed up ?. Changed the fuse for a known good one and even cut the wires back and re wired it in case the pinch point inside the plug had fractured a wire. I`ve a good mind to take it back to the shop i bought it from 23 years ago but they have long since gone........ Looks like i will be getting one in the next few days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrunner Posted October 7, 2021 Share Posted October 7, 2021 (edited) You can have my old iron Martin, Teflon is a bit worn off though! (see photo above) Edited October 7, 2021 by Outrunner Missing word Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin collins 1 Posted October 7, 2021 Author Share Posted October 7, 2021 27 minutes ago, Outrunner said: You can have my old iron Martin, Teflon is a bit worn off though! (see photo above) Thanks for the offer, i guess you probably aren`t near me and it would need posting? I am going to the NADMFC swapmeet on Sunday as well, what do you estimate the postage cost would be?............M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrunner Posted October 7, 2021 Share Posted October 7, 2021 Hi Martin, I live near Cambridge. I can post it to you, all I ask if could donate the cost to the RNLI Cheers Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.