I just finished soldering a #6 wire to a copper connector. I am out of propane see used a carbon rod and battery charger to heat the copper connector. All worked well, but now I wonder, all the heat starts at the contact point. Is there somthing about carbon that causes a high resistance at the contact point? Does it matter what it is contacting? Thanks, Mike
I have a soldering set from the 50's that consists of a largish open core transformer and a set of carbon rods. It is a good way to solder heavy things like auto radiators.
Carbon/graphite is a semiconductor and has a relatively high resistance compared to metals - the size of the contact point and current available determine the heating.
Does it matter what it contacts - yes won't work on insulating material obviously. Doesn't work so well on steel - at least my device doesn't. Good for heating non ferrous metals.
A few years ago I walked my son down to car dealer that had large beam of light traveling across the night sky. It was an old search light on a truck with a generator. He described all about it and the carbon rods used in the carbon arc. It used two diameters, 3/8" and 5/8" IRC. The smaller one was tapered towards the end and caused a concaved shape in the larger one. Anyway he gave me
4 or 5 used rods 3" to 5" long. I recall useing one to heat a difficult to remove nut, that worked well also. MikeElectronDepot website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.