Iron for the covering

[mave]

Hi Guys,

I am wondering what is a good brand for an iron, the features that I should look and the price range. Any recommendation?
Also, should I go for a second hand iron?

[Artyspec]

i use steam iron for clothes without the steam... yes, i am cheap...

[Tony]

I have gone through a few. The best, in my opinion, is the iron by Coverite. It has an electronic temperature control which maintains constant temperature very well. The other irons tends to overshoot and undershoot the temperature dialed. Not a big issue with normal covering work but can cause you lots of pain when trying to iron on trim without having to spend hours busting trapped bubbles.

I have been using the same Coverite iron for 7 years now. Its worn and the plastic handle is cracked, but I will not part with it.

You could use a small travelling iron. I used to do that for years. Its good for very basic covering jobs and for developing strong arm muscles and tunnel carpel syndrome of the wrist at the same time ha ha .

My two cents worth.

[mave]

Iron for clothes? they are not cheap mann... I bought one philip(or something) for $150 and the other standing steamer for $200... I was hoping that the hobby iron is cheaper..
Hi Tony, the one that you mentioned, is it available in LHS?

[msc]

Hi,
I used to have a travel iron and I used it for monokote coverings. The size is about 4" long and 2.5" wide. The best thing is the price is only about S$12. You will be able to buy it at some Pasar Malam.

MS

[Tony]

Iron for clothes? they are not cheap mann... I bought one philip(or something) for $150 and the other standing steamer for $200... I was hoping that the hobby iron is cheaper..
Hi Tony, the one that you mentioned, is it available in LHS?

Mave,

You must have bought the super duper deluxe do everything with all the bells and whistles iron for that kind of money. Does it make coffee for you in the morning too?

I think NTC may stock it or get it from Towers Hobbies. The link below is for a 240v version which costs about US$10 more than the 110v version. If you already have a 240-110 converter - get the cheaper 110v version.

Coverite 21st Century Covering Iron

Get the cotton sock too. It will come in handy when applying trim to apply gentle heat so that it won't bubble.

[mave]

Tony,

you are very right! If I don't get that super duper Iron, I think I will be used as an ironing board..
Ok, I will go to NTC an check it out... Thanks!

Mave,

You must have bought the super duper deluxe do everything with all the bells and whistles iron for that kind of money. Does it make coffee for you in the morning too?

I think NTC may stock it or get it from Towers Hobbies. The link below is for a 240v version which costs about US$10 more than the 110v version. If you already have a 240-110 converter - get the cheaper 110v version.

Coverite 21st Century Covering Iron

Get the cotton sock too. It will come in handy when applying trim to apply gentle heat so that it won't bubble.

[YZY]

I use a traveling iron too.

[mave]

the travelling iron has enough heat?
I don't think they are any cheaper than the cover iron though. are they?

[Tony]

The cover iron is much easier to use because its shaped to handle things like fillets, tucking in flaps of Monokote, narrow strips etc. Once you start using the iron, its going to pick up colour stains. So unless you want these stains, they are permanent, to appear on your only white business shirt the next time you decide to use the travel iron when you are in the middle of Timbuktoo , I'd suggest you get the dedicated covering iron.

[mave]

ok, agreed! right tool for the right job.

[twisted]

Wat ever u get make sure ya get the 220V version. Been there, done that....

I've used the topflite monokote iron, the handle is wood and never cracked it. Its surface is totally flat.

Currently using pilot which is similar to coverite iron. the front end is raised and not totally flat.

I prefer the iron totally flat. And I also like the temperature control on the pilot but not really a big deal.

I use a hanky to wrapround the iron. Iron sock is thicker, and I dont like that. If ya get monokote stuck on iron, use acetone or denatured alcohol to wipe clean.

Personally I find Travel iron not enough heat.

[mave]

by the way, where do you get acetone?

[haowee]

Is those alcohol you get from pharmacies denatured alcohol?

[mave]

acetone = denatured alchohol?
sure?