14 Nov
2005
14 Nov
'05
12:35 p.m.
On 11/14/2005 at 12:05 PM Dwight K. Elvey wrote:
Hi
I don't recommend using an open flame with the oil.
I used an electric fry pan. I don't think peanut
oil has as low a flash point as many other oils.
I believe that peanut oil has a flash point around 600F; 60/40 solder flows
at about 370F, so there's a pretty good safety margin, but the oil will
start smoking at temperatures around 450F.
Silicone oil might be a better choice (it's used a lot in commercial heat
baths), but it's not inexpensive.
If you're using an electric fry pan and can control temperature, I wonder
if plain old white sand might be another alternative. It's cheap,
non-corrosive and non-flammable--and won't spatter. Thermal transfer isn't
as good as oil, but maybe it's sufficient.
Cheers,
Chuck