The accompanying illustration shows a very simple heater for soldering irons, which can be made either stationary or portable. That is to say, it can be attached to the gas pipe in the shop, or it may be provided with an attachment for a rubber hose, so it can be moved about in different places.

The heater is mounted on a suitable base and made up of ordinary pipe fittings. A tee is attached at the lower part thereof, where the connection for the rubber hose is made. To the upper end of the standard a tee is fitted, to one side of which the heater is connected, and to the other an ordinary Bunsen burner. On either side of the tee is secured a small stopcock for regulating the supply of gas. These stopcocks have at their outer ends a small opening about 1/16 inch diameter, which will of course vary, according to the local gas pressure. Into one of these stopcocks is screwed a nipple perforated with one or more rows of 1/8-inch holes. At the base are two or more larger holes covered with a sliding sleeve for regulation of the air. By moving this sleeve more or less air may be admitted, until a blue flame is obtained. At the outer end of the nipple is screwed an ordinary cap. The Bunsen burner at the opposite side may be made of ordinary gas pipe, with holes and sleeve for the regulation of the air supply.

Fig. 134 - Gas heater for soldering irons.

The stand or rest consists of a suitable base, into which is fastened an ordinary gas pipe with a set-screw at its upper end. Into this pipe slides another, somewhat smaller, to which is screwed an ordinary cap. To this cap is secured a flat piece of iron, bent in a half circle, the ends being matched to provide a rest for the soldering' iron. It will now be seen that by raising and lowering this inside tube, it can be held at any suitable distance from the heater by the set-screw. After the heater is lighted, it will only take a few minutes to heat the iron, as the dames burn directly under and the entire length of the same.

The Bunsen burner is used for heating large and solid pieces to be soldered.