Identifying Silver Solder

[john kennedy 1Participant @johnkennedy1]

[john kennedy 1Participant @johnkennedy1]

 

Hello all,

Daft question for you.

I’ve recently acquired a part built loco,a B1 Springbok. Amongst the items were some taped up bunches of what I think is silver solder. In biro on the tape on one bunch are the words “HI” and “C4” The colour of these sticks are quite brassy looking.

On other bunches it just says “LO TEMP” and these are silver colour. All the sticks are round section and various diameters.

Can I assume the obvious … Does it vary that much in colour?

Once I get my hearth done I will test some pieces on a sheet of copper and try and identify which pieces melt first.

Thanks in advance… John

 

 

[DustyParticipant @dusty]

Hi John

C4 is a 24% silver alloy which melts 740/780 centigrade and yes, it will appear quite brassy. The other silver solder is an unknown and should be treated as such. By all means use it for prefabing parts but it should not be used for constructing boilers. If you are making a boiler all the components should, including the solder should be of known quality and type. In industry you would need every item to have a traceable origin and the material certified. Silver solders vary in their composition and some should not be used on boilers. The other bunch of solder is probably 42% silver alloy(easyflo type) this would account for its silvery look but it is no good guessing. Some others who are far more knowledgable than me may have different views. But I still stick to my view’ do not use it on a boiler!’

[john kennedy 1Participant @johnkennedy1]

Dusty.

Thanks for the detailed answer.I agree with you re the safety aspect. I cant see me soldering the boiler up for a very long time anyway so I’ll use it up on other things.

Thanks again. John

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