What is Dip Strip?
It is a caustic chemical mixture made mostly with Sodium Hydroxide that along with the high temperature can strip away most magnet wire insulation.

What number should a DSP1 (now discontinued) pot be set on for typical use?
Every machine is going to be a little different but setting the dial to approximately 6-½ should bring the temperature to around 730°F which is optimal operating temperature and is what DSP2 pots are preset at when leaving the factory.

Can I run my DSP pot at higher temperatures than 730°F?
Yes, but the Dip Strip will start to deteriorate at 820°F and become less effective.

Why is there a salt ring on the top of the dip pot?
That is normal and is caused by evaporation. As moisture leaves the chemical while it is heated the salt settles on the rim of the pot forming a ring. It can be scraped back into the pot so that it can melt back down with the rest to be reused.

Why do I sometimes get a floating disc in the center of the pot?
In the very center of the top of the chemical is the spot that is the farthest away from the heat source so that area is the coolest. If the pot is not used for a while but is still heated that center spot can cool just enough for a floating disc to form similar to ice on a pond.

Why is there water on the top of the chemical when it is turned off and not used for a while and then when it is turned back on it crackles and bubbles?
While the pot is off and cold the chemical draws moisture out of the air, even more so in high humidity, then it settles on the surface of the hardened salt. When you turn the unit back on the first thing that will happen is the water is going bubble and make crackling sounds until it is burned off.

Is there a way to prevent the moisture from accumulating on the surface of the chemical when it’s not being used?
There are a couple of options that can help. One is to cover the pot when it is cooled which will slow down the moisture buildup and the other is to leave the pot on but turned down to a lower temperature when not in use. This will keep it hot enough to burn off the moisture as it tries to accumulate.

Why does the pot foam up when stripping multiple or large wires?
That is the chemical reaction between the Dip Strip and the insulation. In small amounts of wire being strip you will see the insulation just bubble away but in large amounts it can foam up even out of the pot.

Can I skip any of the rinsing sequences after stripping in the pot?
The first water rinse is the most important and should never be skipped plus it is important to change out that water regularly because it will become contaminated quickly. The next rinse is Dip Clean 2 which can be skipped if the material will be tinned right away but that is not recommended because it does help with oxidization and help clean off residual caustic material. The last water rinse is mostly to remove excess Dip Clean 2 and will also help to clean of any residual caustic materials. If you choose to use the Dip Clean 2 it is very important to rinse it with water again. The more thorough the rinses the better continuity and it will help minimize chances of corrosion from left over chemical residue.

What is the life span of Dip Strip?
New Dip Strip will last indefinitely if stored in a cool dry place. When using Dip Strip the life can be affected mostly by how much it is used. The more wires that are stripped the more insulation will be left behind in the pot causing the chemicals to thicken also different insulation types will vary the length of life especially highly heat resistant insulation. Other things that can affect the life is using too high of a temperature because Dip Strip starts to break down at 820°F

How much Neutralizer do I use to dispose of Dip Strip?
One pound of Neutralizer to one pound of Dip Strip, or equal amounts.