Where can one buy direct a wire welder.

[subver]

Ok, so I got a hold of a Tsfa+. I have only been able to play with it for just a bit. But I am not having the best success with it. Was I overestimating the capabilities of this thing? Anyone with experience, please let me know. Thanks.

I have a Tsaf+ as well.. There is definitely a learning curve but once you get the hang of it it becomes easier. I use 32gauge kanthal and 30 gauge nickel, set the Tsaf to #4, and give the wires about 4-5mm space on the clips, with about a 1mm welding overlap - that typically works well for me. Some use #3 with a little less wire poking out from the clips. Also keep the resistance wire on the red clip.
Once you find your sweet spot it gets easier. I also torch the tips of my wires before welding them, to clean them off.. Just a quick touch of the torch to get them red, only for a second really.
Anyway that's what I do, and it's been working out good for me! Just keep playing with it, you'll get the hang of it!

 

[negrete35]

Thank you sir. I will keep at it.

 

[subver]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes

 

[utal]

Moved from #3 to #4 and the results are even better, not that on #3 was bad, but sometimes it missed the join, now in #4 I didn't missed one

I have a Tsaf+ as well.. There is definitely a learning curve but once you get the hang of it it becomes easier. I use 32gauge kanthal and 30 gauge nickel, set the Tsaf to #4, and give the wires about 4-5mm space on the clips, with about a 1mm welding overlap - that typically works well for me. Some use #3 with a little less wire poking out from the clips. Also keep the resistance wire on the red clip.
Once you find your sweet spot it gets easier. I also torch the tips of my wires before welding them, to clean them off.. Just a quick touch of the torch to get them red, only for a second really.
Anyway that's what I do, and it's been working out good for me! Just keep playing with it, you'll get the hang of it!

 

[subver]

Moved from #3 to #4 and the results are even better, not that on #3 was bad, but sometimes it missed the join, now in #4 I didn't missed one

Awesome! I know the instruction sheet said to use #3 for my 30 and 32 gauge wires but I found #4 much better.. And it's easier when there is a little more wire sticking out. One of these days I still need to sit down and just weld like 50 wires, right I now do them as I need them.

 

[gtbb]

I have been more successful at position 3 with 32 and 30. I do not overlap any more.End to end has been a better weld for me. Too many separations using overlaps. I also have 2-3mm wire showing. What works for you is the method to go with.

 

[Aal_]

Zapper is still not working for me. Wire always breaks while coiling.

 

[gtbb]

Zapper is still not working for me. Wire always breaks while coiling.

Do you clean the wires before welding?

 

[Aal_]

Do you clean the wires before welding?

No... I know i should have tried that. OK so Do i torch the endings or rub with alcohol or what?

EDIT: Oh i remember once with a sand paper. Nothing.

 

[Aal_]

I have been more successful at position 3 with 32 and 30. I do not overlap any more.End to end has been a better weld for me. Too many separations using overlaps. I also have 2-3mm wire showing. What works for you is the method to go with.

I cant believe it's working for you end to end. by seperations you mean they break?

 

[gtbb]

I cant believe it's working for you end to end. by seperations you mean they break?

I use alc. before joining. And yes I mean break. After finished I run the wire under a candle flame once or twice.

 

[Aal_]

So I will rub with alcohol, weld then flame it a little bit. That should do it. I will see if I can try this tonight.

 

[Kataphraktos]

Zapper is still not working for me. Wire always breaks while coiling.

Same here, and I torch then alcohol wipe the wires. I switched to silver crimps and silver NR, works like a charm. I suspect my Zapper for some reason sucks, I'm getting the new tsaf when he releases next fall. Mine has no settings, just an on/off-switch and fire button.

 

[Aal_]

Same here, and I torch then alcohol wipe the wires. I switched to silver crimps and silver NR, works like a charm. I suspect my Zapper for some reason sucks, I'm getting the new tsaf when he releases next fall. Mine has no settings, just an on/off-switch and fire button.

you think there is a problem with the zapper that makes the tsaf better? I am stupid i live in Greece, I could have gotten the tsaf but I chose to save money by buying a cheaper device from the UK

 

[gtbb]

Some are having good success with the Zapper. Are you guys checking the battery state and cleanliness of your clip jaws?

 

[LongDraw]

Any info on the new tsaf?

I have the tsaf+ currently and it works great. I think like others are saying I find it works best after I give a quick clean to the wires with rubbing alcohol, just the ends that will be fused together.

There for awhile I stopped using the rubbing alcohol first and the connections weren't always as solid.

Same here, and I torch then alcohol wipe the wires. I switched to silver crimps and silver NR, works like a charm. I suspect my Zapper for some reason sucks, I'm getting the new tsaf when he releases next fall. Mine has no settings, just an on/off-switch and fire button.

 

[subver]

Any info on the new tsaf?

I have the tsaf+ currently and it works great. I think like others are saying I find it works best after I give a quick clean to the wires with rubbing alcohol, just the ends that will be fused together.

There for awhile I stopped using the rubbing alcohol first and the connections weren't always as solid.

Oh man I haven't heard anything about a new Tsaf! I'l have to check it out.

My only gripe with the Tsaf+, and it's really probably an inherent problem with all welders, is the metal shavings and divets that build up on the alligator clips. Not a big deal, though.. I just sand them down and it's good to go.. my only fear is that I will wear too much of the metal away, I'm not sure how he made those clips with the flat metal in them - but maybe they have them for sale somewhere.. I've only seen the toothed clips. The Tsaf clips look like it was welded on there or something.

 

[Aal_]

Maybe that's why the tsaf is better than zapper, zapper has alligator clips

 

[subver]

Maybe that's why the tsaf is better than zapper, zapper has alligator clips

Ooh, maybe.. I didn't realize they were only alligator clips... yeah the Tsaf has clips that are essentially 2 little blocks of metal clamping together.. maybe you could find or make those for the Zapper?

 

[ZeroDisorder]

Never thought of using a small spot welder for this... Welp! Time to pull out the disposable flash camera circuits again!