Generic induction heaters

[rslaback]

Does anyone have experience with the cheaper non Mini-Ductor induction heaters? I work in a manufacturing plant and have a project with a stuck collar on a shaft in a cleanroom where I think an induction heat source would be ideal. I don't know that I can get the powers that be to give the nod to a $600 MiniDuctor but I could probably get it approved to grab a $200 off brand if they are worth having. Amazon reviews look OK but not sure I put much stock in those.

 

[tyyost]

There was a thread this summer, the reviews were mixed. I searched for it, but I believe the two keys points were wattage and the type and quantity of coils provided in the kit. Most folks that had the generic ones were happy, and I filed that thought away for the future, but didn’t bookmark it.

 

[WWheeler]

Here's a thread you might want to peruse

Best induction heater for rusty bolts

Want to get an induction heater for heating up rusty nuts and bolts. The only one I've used was the bolt buster that looks like a tube of caulk. It worked good and it's what I'm planning on getting but wanted to check to see if there was another brand I should look into before I pull the trigger?

www.garagejournal.com

I have two friends who have bought the cheaper models. One is even branded as a 'mini-ductor' but is most definitely a chinese knockoff. I've borrowed it and it worked great, but I was warned not to use it anywhere near a minute straight and at least 4-5 minutes to cool. This was his second one and he learned quick it doesn't have the duty cycle that the more expensive units like the Mini-Ductor or Bolt Buster have. He got lucky and it failed him on first use so they warrantied it. The replacement is what I used and has been fine for at least 3 years now that I know of.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

I have the less than $200 version and love it for home automotive use.

 

[signcrafter]

Here's a thread you might want to peruse

Best induction heater for rusty bolts

Want to get an induction heater for heating up rusty nuts and bolts. The only one I've used was the bolt buster that looks like a tube of caulk. It worked good and it's what I'm planning on getting but wanted to check to see if there was another brand I should look into before I pull the trigger?

www.garagejournal.com

I have two friends who have bought the cheaper models. One is even branded as a 'mini-ductor' but is most definitely a chinese knockoff. I've borrowed it and it worked great, but I was warned not to use it anywhere near a minute straight and at least 4-5 minutes to cool. This was his second one and he learned quick it doesn't have the duty cycle that the more expensive units like the Mini-Ductor or Bolt Buster have. He got lucky and it failed him on first use so they warrantied it. The replacement is what I used and has been fine for at least 3 years now that I know of.

That was a thread I started when I was looking into these. Everyone said the cheaper kits were fine. The reason I went with the bolt buster is because at the time the bolt buster was 400 bucks and came with a good amount of coils. The cheaper one was 200 and came with 3 coils. To get a similar coil kit you had to spend another 100 bucks. So 300 for the cheaper knock off and a coil kit vs 400 for the bolt buster. It didnt seem like much savings to go with the cheaper kit. Not sure what prices are at today but if you can save 300 bucks getting the cheaper one I probably would go with that one.