Re: 1st time metal solderer ...

matt86 on Sun Aug 21, 2011 3:03 pm

what do you mean by stick solder stu .... could you find me a link for some ?

matt86 on Sun Aug 21, 2011 4:04 pm

stationary stu wrote:Matt you need to tin (cover the copper tip with solder) the soldering iron once it's hot. Yes you can use a gas ring to heat it but it could be messy if any solder melts of the iron. You need to get plenty of heat into the tank before you start. Use a flux and stick solder (or body solder) for best results. You may be better off with something like this,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLARKE-CBT-1-BUTANE-GAS-TORCH-SOLDERING-BRAZING-DIY-CAR-/390339291158?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5ae208e816
The small jewelery type torch gets plenty of heat where you need it, just careful not to melt whats alread soldered. Not an easy job and difficult to explain how to do, try to practice on a few bits of scrap steel the same thickness first and try and pull them apart to see it it's held.
Good luck,

Stu.

could i not use a gas tortch that screws into my callor gas bottle ? as would have plenty of heat to heat up my iron and before i start to solder to heat up the metal before hand so make kit easier ?

stationary stu on Mon Aug 22, 2011 12:35 pm

Matt before filler was used on car body repairs they used solder, Old car restorers still do. I've had a look and it's not cheap so don't know if you still want to do it that way. First link is a kit and you can see the stick solder the second link is just the solder that's sold in 1kg pack.

BODY SOLDER KIT - SOLDER PAINT BRUSH TALLOW PADDLES NEW | eBay

http://www.tools-supplies.co.uk/stick-solder-1270-p.asp

Have a look around you might find it cheaper, I just posted the first I found. Also there's sites that shows you how to do body repairs using solder and it will give you an idea on how to use it.

The blow torch might be a bit to powerful or it might be ok, I can say as I don't know exactly what your doing or the condition of the metal.

Hope it's of help to you,

Stu.