I have both the clover and the one like Alex's. clover is too small for regular size work, but would probably be good for miniatures. I turn my other one off by pulling the plug simply because the nob does get hot but it does have an off position. I also don't use the stand it came with and instead bought a silicone pad that Irons rest on. you can get them inexpensive from Walmart or JoAnnes fabric. So far it is still running after a couple years, but I don't use it all the time so maybe thats why.

I use a Hobbico iron and I like it. I purchased mine at a quilt show years ago. According to Hobbico's web site, they carry R/C products (such as radio-controlled cars or planes). They sell the iron online or you can search for a dealer on their site. I noticed that the irons were carried by Hobbytown in my area.

I'm going to look at the hobbico iron. I have a Clover (actually a small one and the bigger one with all the attachments). I don't like it because it doesn't get hot enough, yet it's hot enough to burn you. Thanks to all for the info.

If I'm picturing the right thing, I think the Clover mini iron is more for doing things like pressing fusible bias strips, rather than pressing open seams... although I supposed it could be used for small seams. I bought one, but forget to get it out and use it very often. I also have a Hobbico iron, that is nice, but I don't like the handle, I guess it is something I need to get used to, but it just feels awkward to me, having the handle behind the iron instead of "over" the iron.

When I'm doing my piecing, more often than not, I'm chain piecing, and after I get a lot done, will get up away from my machine to go press all my seams. That gives me a reason to get up out of my chair and stretch my legs, especially if I'm spending my whole day sewing. I do want to try some paper piecing, and I will have to remember to get my small irons out and see which one I like better for paper piecing.

Go to amazon com. The hobbico is the lower price you named, there.

I've left my iron on too long also...not a good idea. Alex's classroom video's recommend not using the stand that comes with the iron. Guess I'll probably get one...from my internet search some of the sites have prices in the $40 range and some around $15...they both look like the same product. Regarding the Clover... I had my doubts about that one...thinking it would be too small. Glad to see your confirmation of that...thanks!

I have had this iron for many years. It has off button but my idea of off is to unplug it. Started that habit after leaving my regular iron on for two days once.

This iron is very hot and you need to be careful where you lay it. As others have said, it is awkward to use. Beats the Clover mini iron hands down. Clover iron is way too small.

Barbara

Oh Beth! How yucky! I'm sorry you had issues with your elbow.

I so love paper piecing... can you raise or lower the position of the table or put it right next to your machine? I'd hate to see you chuck the iron & paper piecing b/c of this. ((hugs))

I just finished a paper-pieced project and used it on a table next to the sewing machine. It was handy and plenty hot (and mine has no shutoff either, except pulling the plug), but ...

The angle was wrong, and I ended up aggravating my elbow with it, which ended up needing a shot of cortisone to stop the intense pain.

Next time, I'm trying a different type of iron.

Plus, it will be a long time before I do another paper pieced project!

BethMI

ladyquilter wrote:
When I first got it, I turned it all the way down... STILL ON! :shock:

she-quilts wrote:
Yours doesn't have an 'off' position? That's weird. I wonder why mine does.

Thanks for the tips...it isn't too expensive so maybe I'll try it.

I don't remember the name of mine but it is like Alex's. It is for sealing shrinking plastic I guess. I bought it from a LQS.

I LOVE IT!!!

It is hotter than blazes and is my favorite for paper piecing as I can have it nearby and not get up for every seam. I only have it on 2 out of 3 settings it is so hot. It doesn't have an OFF position so it needs unplugged when you are done. I like the little stand that came with it.

highplainsquilter wrote:
I've had mine for over a year and it still works fine (hope I didn't just jinxed myself!). I will say that you will get burned if you don't use a hot pad to turn the knob to the 'off' position. The top of my iron gets as hot as the bottom and I didn't even think and went to turn it off the first time I used it and nearly burned my fingerprints off three fingers.

With that said however, I do really like this iron. My MIL gave it to me as a gift and the size is so darn perfect and it gets really HOT so seams are easier to do for me.