Preparing Solder-Filled Jump Rings
1. Apply Electro flux to the jump rings with a flux brush or simply dip the rings into the flux using the pliers. Use care to
avoid getting any flux on the pliers themselves.
2. Close jump rings, making certain that no gap exists. The ends should be neatly butted together, with full and complete
contact, to ensure a secure connection and proper solder flow. We recommend using an Optivisor™ to get the best view
of the contact point.
3. If there is excess flux on the ring, you can catch it with a cotton swab; use care to avoid wiping off too much as this could
prevent the solder from flowing properly. Again, some sparks due to excess flux are normal and harmless.
Preparing Standard Jump Rings
1. Using paste solder is very effective when working with rings that are not made from solder-filled wire; simply put a dab of
paste on the underside of the closed joint of the ring (inside the ring) with your solder pick.
2. Place the electrode on top of the ring and solder as usual. You will be able to actually see the solder reach its melt point,
and it will flow upward where the ends of the ring meet.
3. As you become more proficient with the Hot Spot, you will use less paste and achieve a smooth, clean, joint that will be
virtually undetectable.
4. When soldering standard (not solder-filled) rings, the paste will build up on jaws of your
pliers and the electrode. You’ll want to purchase the electrode sharpener/dresser to clean and re-surface your electrode
as needed. Fine-grit polishing paper can be used to clean the jaws of your pliers.
Operating the machine
1. Press the red “ON" switch on the front left of the machine.
2. Start with a time setting (top knob) between 2 and 3. The timer is
calibrated in half-second increments up to three seconds. Different
rings require different times; it helps to keep a record of the best
settings for your particular applications and materials. Different
machines behave somewhat differently, and it will take time to get
familiar with yours.
3. Set the power (bottom knob) to approximately 2.5; start low and
slowly increase as needed to flow solder. If arcing occurs, or if the
ring melts, reduce time. It is better to reduce or increase time first
if you think you are a bit too hot or to cold; adjusting both knobs
will muliply the tweaks necessary. If time alone doesn’t correct the
issue, then adjust the temperature knob.
4. Hold the pliers in one hand and grasp the jump ring. Position the
pliers so that the jaws contact both sides of the ring (see Figure 1).
5. If necessary, apply paste solder to the underside of the joint on
the jump ring. Solder-free rings require added solder; solder-filled
rings do not.
6. Pick up the handpiece with the other hand, and touch the
electrode securely to the jump ring. Be certain to make full
contact between the electrode and the ring being soldered.
Important: The electrode must be smooth and free of debris (see
Figure 2).
7. Press the foot pedal until the timer runs out. The metal should
redden, and the solder should flow. If it doesn’t, go back to step
1, increase the time setting slightly and finish the steps. Power
will cease when the timer stops, even if the foot pedal is still
depressed.
8. When the solder cools, clean the joint with a polishing wheel, light
emery stick or paper or a fine needle file.
Figure 2: When the
electrode becomes
worn or rough
with solder debris,
re-shape the tip
with the dresser/
sharpener (available
at riogrande.
com or in the Rio
Tools & Equipment
catalog) or with an
appropriate-size
ball bur. Sharpeners
feature a holder
that fits snugly over
the handpiece and
centers the
electrode over the
sharpener.
Figure 1: The power current output varies based
on the amount of contact between the pliers and
the jump ring. The ring in the illustration at right
will heat slower than the one on the left because
it has less contact area.
inefficient heat transfer efficient heat transfer
Figure 1
Electrode
Tip
Sharpener
Holder
Electrode
Sharpener
Figure 2
800.545.6566 www.riogrande.com
page 3 Hot Spot®Jump Ring Soldering Machine
