Pyrogravure; or can I use a soldering iron?

[Neil Merryweather]

I've been trying to buy a pyrogravure for working on plastic figures but they are not sold nowadays- due to elf'n'safety, I assume, and the risk of litigation. You can get pyrography kits but they are 60 watts, and that just seems too powerful. A soldering iron with an adjustable thermostat would seem to be ideal but they are quite expensive.
So does anyone know if I can use a soldering iron, and if so, what wattage do I need? I assume low, but not being an electickery type I wouldn't know. I presume also I would have to make my own needle type tips, but I can manage that. It's just the ideal temperature I need to know really.
thanks in advance
Neil

[Gary MacKenzie]

Amazon has a lot of pyrography stuff

[SimonT]

Hi Neil,
I have a pyrogravure purchased from L&M products, the people that supplied Historex originally with theirs (although I think Historex then modified them from what L&M told me).

When I got it it was not hot enough so I complained and sent it back - they modified it to 130 degC

There may still be a German company making them - Rey Ro or something like that. I found them when looking for L&M

[Neil Merryweather]

Amazon has a lot of pyrography stuff

thanks Gary
I have looked at those and they all seem to be very high powered, and certainly they have no fine tips like I would need for 54mm historex figures.
I don't mind spending money on the right thing, but I don't want to waste it on something that I can't adapt.
cheers
Neil

[Neil Merryweather]

Hi Neil,
I have a pyrogravure purchased from L&M products, the people that supplied Historex originally with theirs (although I think Historex then modified them from what L&M told me).

When I got it it was not hot enough so I complained and sent it back - they modified it to 130 degC

There may still be a German company making them - Rey Ro or something like that. I found them when looking for L&M

Thanks Simon, I've just had a quick search with no joy.
I presume you use yours on tanks rather than historex figures? I imagine the tank plastic is harder- historex is very soft.
I guess I'll just play with my soldering iron for starters and see how I get on
Cheers
Neil

[Dave Ward]

Try Shesto Tools - they have a range.........................SHESTO from cheap to Expensive!
Dave

[SimonT]

I have used it on all kinds of things, not just tanks (although it is good for zimming 1/72) and with all sorts of densities - you just have to be careful on softer stuff

Also used it on resin

I found the German device - company is Rai-Ro, so I was close!

It is quite pricey but has temperature control from 0-220degC so can be used for pretty much anything you can think of, including toasting marshmallows and other small foodstuffs I shouldn't wonder with that range

Rai-Ro

[Neil Merryweather]

That's brilliant Simon, thank you.
Now I have to decide whether to put my money where my mouth is..... especially as what I want is the expensive extra pencil thingy
Hmmmmm

[SimonT]

Heehee - unfortunately like all quality tools quality costs

Go on, you know you want to......

[stillp]

Neil, would this be worth a punt: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07KC71V...il_aax_0?psc=1

Pete

[SimonT]

Pete - that is far too hot @ 200 or 400degC

[JR]

All this talk of heat !

[Neil Merryweather]

Try Shesto Tools - they have a range.........................SHESTO from cheap to Expensive!
Dave

thanks Dave-naturally the most expensive is the most suitable....

[Neil Merryweather]

All this talk of heat !

it was the PYRO bit that got you , wasn't it John? :smiling2:

[stillp]

Pete - that is far too hot @ 200 or 400degC

How about this then? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50W-Profe...a397%7Ciid%3A1

Pete