Homebrew PCBs

I've been meaning to build a resistance solder unit. I went to the
local RS yesterday to see what types of transformers they had. They
didn't have anything close to what I hoped to find. Not deterred I
went to an electronics store. There sure were a number of large flat
screen tvs in for repair! I gave the tech what I hoped would be an
easy part to provide. Nope, he said,  try Jameco on line. So I came
home and I did. Either I'm not sure what to put in the filter or I'm
looking for an oddity.

I'm trying to build a resistance solder unit.

I've searched on-line.

For the curious here are a couple of links:

http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips1/solderer.pdf

But this one uses a battery charger. I was hoping for something a bit
smaller and more home-brew.

This is more like what I was hoping to find but a bit pricey:

http://www.istnet.net.au/~wamrc/res_solder/index.html


Yeah, I also went out to the Train Index. I have the Mainline Modeler
magazine. That's what started this train of thought.

And there is this reference too:
http://www.trainweb.org/bristol-s-gauge/Projects/rsu.html

So what the heck am I looking for???

I thought I knew!

One article suggests a transformer that takes house current and on the
secondary posts gives 6-8 volts AC at 3 Amps. That's what I was asking
for at the local stores.

Another articles says I need a filament transformer that provides less
than 7 volts at 6 or more AMPS.

So far no luck. Any help appreciated.

Gordon