cutting PCB traces

[John Speth]

> One very clever way I saw a few years ago was to use a large
> transformer-based Soldering Gun.  These are the kind with a 
> pistol-grip and
> a transformer sitting on top.  There are two shafts that come 
> out the front
> and a copper electrode is connected between the two shafts.  
> When you pull
> the trigger, the transformer puts a volt or two at several 
> tens of amps
> through the copper electrode causing it to heat up enough to melt the
> solder.  These irons are waaaay to large ( too much heat ) to 
> be used for
> solid-state work but are more for electrical wiring, sheet-metal work,
> etc...

Jeepers, that sounds like it could have drastic consequences!  I'd test that
on a board with similar traces and material first.

When I was a youth, I heard that the magnetic fields from those transformer
guns induce potentially damaging currents in the circuit.  Was I given good
info?

John Speth
Molectron Detector, Inc.
http://www.molectron.com
mailto:johns at molectron.com