Dirt Cheap Tacking Iron

Paul Sorensen · Jul 9, 2005

I feel like I have cracked the magic code and want to share it with everyone here on APUG. I was actually thinking about selling these on eBay, but have decided against it since there are so many sources.

I have found that there are several different brands of tacking irons (or, what we would call tacking irons) available under the name "sealing iron." Here is an example. I purchased one of these from another source and just got it today. Apparently it is for sealing paper or plastic to model airplanes. From looking at it and looking at the one at Fine Art Photo Supply on their site, I believe they are either identical or really close.

I will be happy to report back after using it, but I am very confident that it is going to work just fine. I am sure that it is not as good as an $80 Seal iron, but at $15 plus shipping, it sure doesn't have to be.

Paul.

Donald Miller · Jul 9, 2005

Thanks for sharing this information. It sure looks a lot like my Seal iron.

photobackpacker · Jul 9, 2005

As a former Radio Control enthusiast (I sold all of my gear to by photo equipment) These irons are used to apply monokote covering. Here is a link to a tried and true supplier who has a whole line of these:

Dead Link Removed

Paul Sorensen · Jul 9, 2005

blaughn said:
As a former Radio Control enthusiast (I sold all of my gear to by photo equipment) These irons are used to apply monokote covering. Here is a link to a tried and true supplier who has a whole line of these:

Dead Link Removed

We have a new record, $11.99! Do you think we can find a cheaper one?

We could do this as some sort of a contest. If only RC hobbiests had a use for ULF cameras, imagine the deals!

Phillip P. Dimor · Jul 10, 2005

My grandfather always used a tacking iron for his monokote on model airplanes..
After seeing the price for a Seal, I looked up hobby irons as well. $12 is much cheaper than $70. Screw that!

Changeling1 · Oct 2, 2005

I just paid about $60.00 for a mint-condition Zone VI tacking iron for my "collection".
It's kind of funny because I DID buy this same iron from Zone VI in '87 or so but returned it (and Fred was pissed) when my insurance agent picked it up and began looking at it and discovered that it wasn't UL approved. He said I couldn't use it (and be insured by his company) in my studio. After I sent the Zone VI iron back, a helper left the Seal iron "ON" and unattended which caused a feather duster to catch fire. We got back from a quick errand just as the wooden wall cabinets were starting to burn! We managed to put out the fire ourselves (just barely) but the formica counter top,
cabinets, new linoleum tile, and Solebury Matt mounter were disfigured to the tune of about $1000! (No, I didn't file a claim with the ins. company!) Whatever iron you use- BE CAREFUL!!!

KenM · Oct 2, 2005

blaughn said:
As a former Radio Control enthusiast (I sold all of my gear to by photo equipment) These irons are used to apply monokote covering. Here is a link to a tried and true supplier who has a whole line of these:

Dead Link Removed

Yup, I have the Coverite 21st Centruy (Dead Link Removed) I only paid about $30 Cdn for it tho, but that was a few years ago. Great iron, good thermostat. Works like a charm. Came with a stand too.

Dave Miller · Oct 2, 2005

Funny, I was just found my sealing iron this afternoon, it’s the only thing I have left from my model flying days. I too exchanged all for an OM1n.

markrewald · Oct 4, 2005

Way cool Paul!!! I just lost an auction on eBay for one of those today. My high end bid was 40 bucks!

Now I can buy more film! Anyone seen any APX 100 in 120 out there???

Paul Sorensen · Oct 4, 2005

markrewald said:
Way cool Paul!!! I just lost an auction on eBay for one of those today. My high end bid was 40 bucks!

Now I can buy more film! Anyone seen any APX 100 in 120 out there???

I have about 30 rolls, but I don't think you can afford it.

mark · Oct 5, 2005

Thanks Paul. You saved me a beating by the wife. I need one of these and now I might be able to afford it.

Why are the other ones so damned expensive?

SchwinnParamount · Oct 5, 2005

Thanks Paul,

I've ordered one of those inexpensive irons from the model airplane people. They have indicated that my order has already shipped. I'll let you all know how it works when it arrives.

Robert Hall · Oct 5, 2005

Paul,

Your a genius!

Paul Sorensen · Oct 5, 2005

Robert Hall said:
Paul,

Your a genius!

Thanks Robert. I also like to think so, but according to the online IQ test I took, it is not the case. Alas, I will have to be satisfied to be merely, in the words of Garrison Keillor, above average.

SLNestler · Oct 6, 2005

For years, I've been using an iron I bought in a fabric store that specializes in items for quilters. It has a low profile, thin head, which I much prefer to the oversize Seal iron, for tacking prints without bending them too much. I believe the cost was in the $12 to $15 range. I believe the Seal is so expensive, just because they think they can do so.

markrewald · Oct 7, 2005

Paul Sorensen said:
I have about 30 rolls, but I don't think you can afford it.

Pricing gouging already???

djklmnop · Oct 8, 2005

The $11.99 one's shoe is not replacable. I wonder if its worth it to spend a few bucks extra for the LXB357 - Coverite Black Baron Sealing Iron? Replacable shoe. I also notice the LXB361 Coverite 21st Century Sealing Iron, has a different coating.

SchwinnParamount · Oct 8, 2005

I got my Hanger 9 iron today. It looks nicely built. wooden handle, big teflon coated head. "Specially Designed Nose - A special shape at the top of the shoe allows easier access between control surfaces and other hard to reach areas"

and "Versatile - can be used for all heat-sealing applications" Like mounting photos maybe?

I'll report my results later tonight when I actually use it

djklmnop · Oct 10, 2005

G'day. I went ahead and ordered the $11.99 one as well. Will follow up with impressions once I receive it.

SchwinnParamount · Oct 10, 2005

It worked great. I was nervous at first because when I plugged it in and turned it on, a plume of acrid smoke rose from the dial. That's really bad. The smoke stopped after about 10 minutes. I guess it burned through some excess insulation or something. Anyway, it isn't smoking anymore and heats up nicely. This new iron is a heck of a lot easier to use than what I had before... plus my wife was never happy when I borrowed her iron to mount my prints.

Dirt Cheap Tacking Iron

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