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 Posted - October 29 2019 : 6:21:35 PM
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I have been looking for an answer to this question for the LONGEST time. I have tried so many places, but nowhere can just give me a straight answer. It's almost as if it's something everybody should know!
So, How the heck do you solder brass locomotives and models?
Whenever I try to use a solder gun, It doesn't heat it up enough, and the solder doesn't flow.
Anything really hot (A mini blowtorch) Does the trick, but wrecks the brass.
I know there has to be a way here. Please reply. I am in desperate need of help.
Thank you!!!!
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Posted - October 29 2019 : 7:35:57 PM
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Soldering irons come in different wattages, temperatures and sizes. Since you're doing more than soldering a wire to a circuit board, you may want a big iron like stained glass artists use. I haven't done the kind of body work you're doing, and can't talk from experience, but I have seen old pictures of people making brass locomotives and they had big heavy soldering irons. Oddly, a high temperature iron is gentler on a project, because it provides the heat to melt the solder quickly, before the heat has time to spread to things you don't want melted. You may just need a big hot iron.
I've seen mention of resistance soldering among people who do a lot of sophisticated soldering on brass models, but I know little about it. If you wanted to find out more about it, simply knowing there is such a thing is a good starting point for an online search.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - October 30 2019 : 12:07:17 PM
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I use a 60 watt iron and micro lux paste. It'll flow real nice when it's up to temp. Not sure what solder I use. It's from radio shack. Resistance soldering rigs are around $500!
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - October 30 2019 : 1:43:46 PM
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You also need to clean the surrounding area before and after. Dirty surfaces makes for bad soldering and not cleaning afterwards will cause corrosion with flux. It's acidic! I use a brass wire wheel to clean up the area prior to soldering. Afterwards, a damp cloth and wiping the area good. Just be careful not to heat the area up too long or it'll heat up the area and stuff will unsolder. Use a wet paper towel to act as a heat sink. A torch can be too much unless you own a jeweler's torch as it has a very small tip. Then again, you'll need a oxygen cylinder like used with a brazing torch. If you're not comfortable or sure, mail out to a professional. I've been around brass models for a while. It's a different game in a lot of ways and I've seen good models get hacked by idiots who had no idea what to do.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - October 30 2019 : 4:39:29 PM
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quote:I use a 60 watt iron and micro lux paste. It'll flow real nice when it's up to temp. Not sure what solder I use. It's from radio shack. Resistance soldering rigs are around $500!
Originally posted by Redneck Justin - October 30 2019 : 12:07:17 PM
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So a 60 watt iron should do the trick? Hmmmm. I'll have to see what watt mine has. Definitly not looking to get a $500 rig!
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Posted - October 30 2019 : 4:42:06 PM
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quote:You also need to clean the surrounding area before and after. Dirty surfaces makes for bad soldering and not cleaning afterwards will cause corrosion with flux. It's acidic! I use a brass wire wheel to clean up the area prior to soldering. Afterwards, a damp cloth and wiping the area good. Just be careful not to heat the area up too long or it'll heat up the area and stuff will unsolder. Use a wet paper towel to act as a heat sink. A torch can be too much unless you own a jeweler's torch as it has a very small tip. Then again, you'll need a oxygen cylinder like used with a brazing torch. If you're not comfortable or sure, mail out to a professional. I've been around brass models for a while. It's a different game in a lot of ways and I've seen good models get hacked by idiots who had no idea what to do.
Originally posted by Redneck Justin - October 30 2019 : 1:43:46 PM
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Yep, I cleaned and prepped. That damp paper towel idea should work well too. Thanks!
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Posted - October 31 2019 : 07:59:13 AM
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You use a resistance soldering Iron.
frank
toptrain
" It's a Heck of a Day " !!!
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