Earl,

We specialize in service and repair of process equipment, including
soldering systems, so we speak from experience as well.

I have found the best container to use is a "Bakers Secret pound cake pan"
available at the local grocery store. They're coated with Teflon so risk of
contamination is very low. They also hold up better, and release the
conbtents easier than paper. You'll probably need 6-10 of them so they have
adequate time to cool before dropping the ingot out. Using a stainless steel
spaghetti laddel (also available from the same grocery store) makes getting
the molten solder from the pot to the pan a safe operation.

If the heaters are damaged and the pot cannot be turned on, I suggest you
get an automotive engine hoist (approx $250.00 from Pep Boys) and some
chain, disassemble the machine so the entire pot can be lifted out and put
on the ground on it's side (not a very easy task!). It then can be torched
out with MAPP Gas (a bit hotter than propane, but not as hot as Oxy-
Acetelene which could easily exceed vapor phase temp and be a serious health
hazard. Quite tedious, for sure, but it can be done safely in "experienced"
hands.

Good luck!



Ed Popielarski
QTA Machine
10 Mc Laren, Suite D
Irvine, Ca. USA 92618
Ph: (949)581-6601
Fx: (949)581-2448
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
http://www.qta.net

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