European Compressed Charcoal Soldering Block 5 1 2 x 2 3 4 x 1 3 16

This dense charcoal block is made of compressed charcoal and is harder and heavier than the standard soft charcoal blocks. Used for reflecting heat back into your work,it is important to wrap the sides tightly with binding wire before use. This dense charcoal block will last longer if it is annealed before use. Charcoal will naturally absorb moisture from the air. A charcoal block left in a high humidity area will absorb this moisture and can easily crack as the moisture tries to escape when hi heat is applied. Since most of us live in high humidity areas (near the ocean or in an area with summer time humidity) care must be taken to remove this moisture before using your charcoal block. Before using a charcoal block for the first time and anytime it has been subject to humidity do this: Gently heat a burner on your stove and warm a cast iron pan or similar pan Place your charcoal block in the pan. Observe the charcoal for escaping steam You have now removed the moisture from you charcoal block. Try to store your charcoal blocks in a cool dry place