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Thread: Hilco Hot Fingers

  1. #1
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter ak47's Avatar
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    Hilco Hot Fingers

    I've never worked with a Hot Fingers machine, but was interested in it for an off-label use. Can it be used to heat bridges for adjustments in cases where the lenses can't be removed and we want really concentrated heat on the bridge only? Anyone have any experience with this use? Thanks!!

  2. #2
    OptiWizard
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    I think it's way too hot for that purpose. I use it for remounting hinges.

  3. #3
    Manuf. Lens Surface Treatments
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    Redhot Jumper The heat produced by this tool quickly softens the frame so hidden hinges can be.....

    Quote Originally Posted by ak47 View Post

    I've never worked with a Hot Fingers machine, but was interested in it for an off-label use. Can it be used to heat bridges for adjustments in cases where the lenses can't be removed and we want really concentrated heat on the bridge only? Anyone have any experience with this use?
    according to their website:


    Repair or replace embedded hinges with this controlled-heat tool with spring action tongs. The heat produced by this tool quickly softens the frame so hidden hinges can be removed and replaced. A new tip incorporates the Hilco Bridge Repair Tool for temporary repairs to broken plastic bridges.
    • Foot pedal heat control allows for hands-free operation
    • Fuse-protected
    • Plugs into standard 120V 20 amp wall outlet
    • Power: 110/120V, 1.0 amps
    • Size: 7 1/2"W x 5"D x 8 1/2"H (19 x 13 x 21 cm)
    • Fuse: 2 amps, 250 volts
    • Weight: 6.51 lbs (3kg)

    source:
    https://www.hilcovision.com/f/hot-fingers-ii

  4. #4
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Gold Supporter Judy Canty's Avatar
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    I agree with Jason. It's way too hot for that purpose. You risk damaging the frame finish, the lenses and any coatings or treatments that have been applied.

  5. #5
    Master OptiBoarder
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    The purpose of Hot Fingers is to transfer heat from the fingers to another piece of metal, like a hidden hinge, or a nose piece that can be embedded in a plastic type frame. That piece of metal then softens the plastic.

  6. #6
    Master OptiBoarder rbaker's Avatar
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    If you have some mechanical skills you can fabricate a heater that will heat just the bridge area, or any other small area of a zyle ophthalmic frame.

    Get a small finned tubular heating element and mount it up with a rheostat to control the mount of heat and you are off and running.

  7. #7
    Master OptiBoarder
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    Quote Originally Posted by ak47 View Post
    I've never worked with a Hot Fingers machine, but was interested in it for an off-label use. Can it be used to heat bridges for adjustments in cases where the lenses can't be removed and we want really concentrated heat on the bridge only? Anyone have any experience with this use? Thanks!!
    what kind off bridge adjustment are you trying to do? I flair the bridge with a spoon full of hot salt, just keep spooning the salt to the bridge until it is warm then use the back of the spoon to splay the bridge, it works very well.

  8. #8
    OptiWizard
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    I totally Mcguyver it. Ive got some aluminum foil to make a cone and a $50 heat gun from Lowe's. Precise on the cheap - hasn't failed me yet.

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    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter
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    You would ruin the frame in a hurry if you were to try using Hot Fingers for that purpose.

  10. #10
    One eye sees, the other feels OptiBoard Silver Supporter
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    Quote Originally Posted by ak47 View Post
    I've never worked with a Hot Fingers machine, but was interested in it for an off-label use. Can it be used to heat bridges for adjustments in cases where the lenses can't be removed and we want really concentrated heat on the bridge only? Anyone have any experience with this use? Thanks!!
    I use the heater pictured below when the lenses shouldn't be removed from the frame. I also use tape on the lens near the bridge to deflect some of the heat that splashes to the side (lens surface temperatures checked with a Radio Shack laser thermometer). Hal-Hen still makes a similar device, without a stand.

    http://www.halhen.com/cgi-bin/info.cgi?id=1063

    Hope this helps,

    Robert Martellaro
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Laser thermometer.jpg   Spot heater01.jpg   Spot Heater.jpg  
    Science is a way of trying not to fool yourself. - Richard P. Feynman

    Experience is the hardest teacher. She gives the test before the lesson.



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