This mechanised solder dispenser was built by design engineer Jude Pullen as an example of what could be done using ABS plastic sheeting, a broken brake cable from a bicycle, and some Sugru. The clever bit? The electrical connection to the switch is made via the solder itself and the outer windings of the brake cable.
Along with other examples of how to use simple materials to prototype new ideas the Solder Buddy was exhibited a the Design Modelling Workshop in London earlier in the year. If you’re interested in building your own Solder Buddy, you can follow the Instructable.
(via GeekBoy.it)
4 thoughts on “The Solder Buddy”
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The email that got me here was titled, “The Solder Duddy”. I was really curious what that could be. This is an interesting project, but the name “Solder Buddy” isn’t nearly as intriguing.
Hmmm what problem does this solve? I still have to hold the solder, my soldering iron and the work in most case. I think the better solution for making soldering easier is to simply fix the soldering iron in a fixed position over the work, ie spring loaded lamp style. Then you can gracefully position your work while feeding solder without resorting to a way too complicated, battery operated solder feeder. That being said I appreciate that the design uses common household parts in any self respecting maker’s arsenol.