Deleted
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Nov 19, 2024 12:30:15 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2017 15:16:05 GMT
I really want a fuse tool but have seen mixed reviews both on here and Amazon. Someone suggested a soldering iron, one of the cheaper ones that has a temperature adjustment. Has anyone tried this? There is a basic soldering set for $17.99 and I have a gift card burning a hole in my pocket. I'm just worried about it being too hot. I'm also thinking I should invest in a glass mat.
Merry day after Christmas!
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,500
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 26, 2017 15:57:11 GMT
The Fuse tool has a spikey roller wheel and IMO it's really easy to use. It comes with a metal ruler that has a cutout guide for straight lines. But I think it's easy to free hand as long as you go slow. Mine came with a second solid point tip, more like a traditional soldering iron and I have never used it nor do I know what I would use it for. I use mine on several sheets of printer paper, but a glass mat would work too.
I just don't know what the advantage would be to using a regular soldering iron, except for price. But make sure it come with the roller wheel.
My only problem with the Fuse is the cord is a bit too short when using a typical baseboard located outlet and a raised desk, like I have.
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Deleted
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Nov 19, 2024 12:30:15 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2017 16:12:51 GMT
The one I'm looking at has a bunch of other points that can be added to it. That was my main reason for asking. I still can't decide  |
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Post by AngieandSnoopy on Dec 26, 2017 16:18:57 GMT
I have the Walnut Hollow Creative Versa Tool AND I bought the Fuse Tool Tips to go with it. I later bought the Fuse Silicone Mat and holster. The tips and mat works great. The Versa Tool has variable temperature and with the Fuse Tool Tips, I have everything I need. Yes, the ruler and stuff would be nice but I'm ok without it.
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Deleted
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Nov 19, 2024 12:30:15 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2017 9:34:03 GMT
I have the Fuse. I was going to use my rhinestone heat setter which is pretty much a soldering iron. My DH surprised me with a Fuse a couple of holidays ago. No, you don't need to get a Fuse. A soldering iron with an adjustable temp should be just fine. I know the Fuse has a different wattage and I think that makes a difference but with an adjustable temp soldering iron you have that covered. Yes, 100% definitely, the Fuse tips fit in a soldering iron. My DH bought the tips to go in his soldering iron. Yes, another definitely  , get the glass mat. That is a must. If you have an old scanner lying around you can take the glass mat out of it. It is the same glass sold in the craft stores. It is heat tempered. That is what I am using. I also have the ruler. I got mine on clearance at Hobby Lobby. It does work better than other rulers because it is thicker than most standard metal rulers. I bet you could find a nice thicker metal ruler in the hardware department. I hope that helps. |
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Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
Posts: 4,233 
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Post by Peamac on Dec 28, 2017 13:22:46 GMT
I have the Fuse. I was going to use my rhinestone heat setter which is pretty much a soldering iron. My DH surprised me with a Fuse a couple of holidays ago. No, you don't need to get a Fuse. A soldering iron with an adjustable temp should be just fine. I know the Fuse has a different wattage and I think that makes a difference but with an adjustable temp soldering iron you have that covered. Yes, 100% definitely, the Fuse tips fit in a soldering iron. My DH bought the tips to go in his soldering iron. Yes, another definitely , get the glass mat. That is a must. If you have an old scanner lying around you can take the glass mat out of it. It is the same glass sold in the craft stores. It is heat tempered. That is what I am using. I also have the ruler. I got mine on clearance at Hobby Lobby. It does work better than other rulers because it is thicker than most standard metal rulers. I bet you could find a nice thicker metal ruler in the hardware department. I hope that helps. What temperature do you use for page protectors? |
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Deleted
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Nov 19, 2024 12:30:15 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 8:55:52 GMT
Peamac I have the Fuse, which is not adjustable. The Fuse tool is around 7 wattage, so I wouldn't really go over 10 if using an adjustable temp soldering iron. Hope that helps.
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Post by alone_inacrowdedroom on Dec 29, 2017 15:53:27 GMT
The fuse is $4.99 on Studio Calico’s site right now. $4.00 if you use the code WELCOME20... however, they are charging the $10 flat rate shipping. Still $4 cheaper than the soldering iron even with shipping, and might be worth it if you want anything else on the site.
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thriftyjenny
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by thriftyjenny on Jul 18, 2020 23:20:32 GMT
I'm looking at getting a soddering iron for Fuse tool purposes (plus maybe a splash of wood burning) and am wondering if there are any new insights on the matter, so I figured I'd revive this thread!
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gb2015
Full Member
Posts: 160
May 5, 2020 13:29:23 GMT
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Post by gb2015 on Jul 18, 2020 23:59:16 GMT
I personally LOVE my fuse and use it ALL THE TIME, especially for mementos, programs, and the like! I don't have a soldering iron so I can't compare, but I do very much love my fuse and consider it a SUPER useful tool!
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Post by joblackford on Jul 19, 2020 1:00:12 GMT
I'm looking at getting a soddering iron for Fuse tool purposes (plus maybe a splash of wood burning) and am wondering if there are any new insights on the matter, so I figured I'd revive this thread! When I did PL I used a cheap soldering iron and it worked fine. I just used a metal ruler with a cork back as a guide, I think I taped things down so they wouldn’t shift, and carefully pressed dots into the plastic with the soldering iron. It took a little practice but it worked. I think the Fuse takes some practice too. I prefer to get a cheap tool that does more than one thing, and prefer not to pay extra for a crafty version (my heat gun is the “manly” workshop version too. Very cheap, very good). Partly depends on how much you plan to use it though. I didn’t actually find that many page protectors I needed to fuse. Maybe half a dozen? Ever. I just put the soldering iron in the donation bin recently after not using it for several years. I know some people use them all the time and find the fuse tool easier to use. |
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Post by peachiceteas on Jul 19, 2020 11:32:56 GMT
I think the Fuse takes some practice too. I agree with this too. I use my Fuse tool a lot these days, after years of not using it. I use it to cut down 6x8 page protectors to 3x8. I can buy 6x8 page protectors on Amazon Prime so I prefer to do it that way, rather than waiting for 3x8 page protectors to ship to me from the US. I think with the Fuse, what works for one, doesn't always work for another because it's dependant on a few circumstances. How I use mine is that I let it heat up for ages. 20 minutes at least. I tape down my page protector to the backside of my cutting mat which I don't mind getting burnt, and then I roll the Fuse down it firmly in one direction only. If the Fuse is hot enough, it burns the mat below it but also completely seals the page protector. I would never get on with a glass board, I need to be able to apply really firm pressure and sink the Fuse into the mat for it to work for me. |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jul 19, 2020 11:37:49 GMT
What peachiceteas said: let it heat up for at least 15 minutes and go for it with a determined (but not *too* firm) hand in one line, one direction only. Tape your protector/shaker pocket down before you start to avoid accidents or if you don't have a grippy mat. I bought the silicone mat for the Fuse Tool and it was a game changer for fusing things. |
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Post by Sharon on Jul 19, 2020 13:09:13 GMT
What peachiceteas said: let it heat up for at least 15 minutes and go for it with a determined (but not *too* firm) hand in one line, one direction only. Tape your protector/shaker pocket down before you start to avoid accidents or if you don't have a grippy mat. I bought the silicone mat for the Fuse Tool and it was a game changer for fusing things. What silicone mat did you get? |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jul 19, 2020 14:34:17 GMT
What peachiceteas said: let it heat up for at least 15 minutes and go for it with a determined (but not *too* firm) hand in one line, one direction only. Tape your protector/shaker pocket down before you start to avoid accidents or if you don't have a grippy mat. I bought the silicone mat for the Fuse Tool and it was a game changer for fusing things. What silicone mat did you get? The Fuse Mat WRMK sells to use with the Fuse Tool.  |
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Post by Sharon on Jul 19, 2020 22:08:28 GMT
What silicone mat did you get? The Fuse Mat WRMK sells to use with the Fuse Tool. Thanks, I'll check that out. |
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Post by hop2 on Jul 20, 2020 0:06:01 GMT
I got my fuse tool for $7 and it works fine. Takes a bit of practice but it’s fine.
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, get the glass mat. That is a must. If you have an old scanner lying around you can take the glass mat out of it. It is the same glass sold in the craft stores. It is heat tempered. That is what I am using. 
