Surface Thermometer

This item wasn't my cup of tea. I'm sure others would find it fine. It just seemed a little fragile to me. Plus, given the set up of my bending iron (which I like a lot, side-review) it would not stay put. The fine folk at Stew Mac were incredibly helpful, even sent a new one while I still had the other, but I could not make this work for me. Your mileage may vary. I'll take a moment to praise the customer service again. It was excellent and the reason I'll be sticking with Stew for other purchases.

I bought the bending iron and this thermometer at the same time. I can't really see getting one without the other. This surface thermometer saves me the grief of trying to bend sides before the iron is hot enough and prevents scorching by preventing the iron from being set too high. Delicate but accurate. Just treat it like the fine measuring tool it is and you'll be fine. Looks like it would last a lifetime if treated right and accurate as you could ever hope for.

As a beginner at guitar repair I was nervous about removing the bridge on the guitar. I purchased the Bridge Heater and Fingerboard Iron along with the Surface Thermometer and was very careful to maintain the proper temperature. Very slowly, carefully, and methodically I was able to remove the bridge and all went well. It does the job but you must be very patient.

When you are bending expensive figured maple or rosewood,the right temp is critical. Without Knowing you're iron is not hot enough and you break a piece its just not worth it to gamble. This tool is a must. It really works great. Keep these fine tools coming stewmac...thanks

The spot check may seem flimsy, but it is a tough little sucker. The one used by Huss & Dalton has hit the floor many times over the years, has never been kept in its case, is used on 6-7 sets of sides per week, and is still going strong. Some of the enamel has chipped off the face of the thermometer and the dial tends to hang up there, but it pops free before the temp has climbed enough to worry about. A tap on the face will also clear the dial.

I bought one for my own shop, take nice care of it, and I expect it to last the rest of my life. You shouldn't bend sides in a fixed form without one, you won't know why your sides are breaking without knowing the temp.

A bit flimsy and a bit pricey. Good job it comes in a plastic box to protect it. I expected better quality, but it does work ok.