ZEP-70 Wachsspachtelgerät

Pulse Regulated Soldering Iron by Rai-Ro

Rai-Ro ZEP-70.
Rai-Ro ZEP-70 wax spatula.

The ZEP-70 is a direct current transformer with a pulse regulated output of 0–12 volts, made by Rai-Ro, a German supplier of modelling tools and accessories. The plug-in handle is sold with two tips, one for soldering, the other is a spatula designed to apply hot wax, cut and sculpt plastic. The ZEP-70 is a very useful and versatile gadget for plastic modellers, it even doubles as a power source for a small electric drill.

Accessories

  • Filler Wax (green)
  • Modelling Wax (grey)
  • Flexible Wax
  • Adhesive Wax (brown)
  • Scalpel
  • Hylin Engraving Tool
  • Le Cron Modelling Tool
  • Soft Toothbrush
  • Abrasive Fleece
  • Silicone Remover
  • Cotton Rags

The transformer is on if the red indicator light next to the dial is on. Different types of wax require temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees celcius for best result. If the spatula is too hot, the wax evaporates quickly, otherwise it does not melt correctly. Filler, modelling and flexible wax should work fine with the temperature set to 3, but the harder adhesive wax may require a setting of 4 to melt properly. A setting of 3.5 works well for removing mould lines on soft plastic figures.

Important safety instructions: Never touch the soldering iron above the handle, the iron is hot enough to cause severe burns. Always disconnect the iron from the ZEP-70 transformer after use. If the hot iron is left unattended, it may ignite flammable materials it comes in contact with. Do not use the iron if small children or animals are about, the iron is very hot and it will cause severe burns if touched.

Multi-Talent

ZEP-70 serves many different purposes which are the subject of dedicated modelling articles. Watch this space for new features of the ZEP-70 to be added as our readers discover them:

  • Filling cracks and holes: Filler Wax (Green)
  • Modelling small parts: Modelling Wax (Grey)
  • Welding and bonding: Adhesive Wax (Brown)
  • Flexible bonding: Flexible Wax
  • Removing flash and mould lines from plastic miniatures
  • Sculpting soft plastic
  • Stamping rivet heads and other surface detail
  • Splicing tow ropes for small scale vehicles

The Rai-Ro ZEP-70 is a versatile tool which truly empowers the modeller. Bonding, filling, sculpting, and modelling have never been this easy. Editors of Military Miniatures Magazine routinely use Rai-Ro green wax to fill small gaps in converted plastic figures and scale model kits. Each of the three waxes has its uses, and modellers will develop useful techniques to take advantage of the special properties of Rai-Ro green, grey and brown wax.

Modelling Tools