Silquar or Charcoal blocks?

[medusa]

I usually use charcoal blocks for soldering especially as some of my stuff needs quite high heat because of size. But even when I bind them, they don't last that long. I don't need to bed or carve stuff into blocks so I was wondering about the Silquar sheets: http://www.cooksongold.com/product_detail.jsp?add=W

Does anyone know if they are as heat reflective as charcoal and if they could possibly be cut down to make an oven type set up?

[CJ57]

I've only ever used fireplace bricks and I build them up or break them into usable sizes

[medusa]

I have a few of those from my old stove, but I'm trying to make a more heat efficient set up. I should probably just invest in a bigger torch.

[CJ57]

I suppose it would be more cost effective in the long run if they don't have a long shelf life

[medusa]

I hate having too much choice and not enough info! I'll sit on it tonight and decide in the morning.

[china]

Are you using natural charcoal or compressed charcoal the latter will outlast natural charcol many times

[caroleallen]

They do look quite good. I'll be interested to hear how you get on. I have some large really thick soldering blocks which I use to protect my work surfaces. It takes ages for things to get to heat on them so I don't actually use them for soldering very often. My favourite surface is the honeycomb soldering sheet. They do take quite a lot of heat but I managed to melt one a bit once.