Silver Soldering Inverness or Elgin way

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

But they are selling 10 rods not the normal 5 rods in a pack, also states that they are 500mm ones cut in half for easier (cheaper) postage

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by CuP Alloys 1 on 31/05/2017 09:48:02:

And finally,

[ … ]

Any soft solder can be used to solder aluminium. You only need the right flux. It is expensive to deliver. Visit the CuP Alloys Roadshow or get it at an exhibition. The savings will easily cover your entrance fee. **LINK**

.

Keith,

I greatly respect your opinion, but I'm intrigued that you have not discussed the Thesscal "A" that I mentioned.

The brief review in 'Flight', that I linked in the other thread, appears to be very positive.

https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1955/1955%20-%200776.PDF

… Is there an unhappy ending to the story ??

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 31/05/2017 10:30:14

[Carl Wilson 4Participant @carlwilson4]

The Thesscal A sounds very good, and I enjoyed reading the report in Flight.

It does not seem to be available any more, unless anyone knows different?

[Tim StevensParticipant @timstevens64731]

The good conductivity of Al alloys is not a part of the problem. Both copper and silver have better conductivity and can be silver soldered with ease. The process of silver soldering relies on the production of a range of alloys in the joint – with eg a copper to silver joint: copper at one side, various versions of bronze in between, changing to various silver alloys, then silver itself. If any of the resulting alloys is weak, or has a tendency to crack, absorb gases, etc, or has too low a melting point, then the joint will fail.

This means that some metals just won't work in this way. One example I have found is gold (which itself comes in a wide range of alloys). Trying to solder gold using silver solder can, sometimes, result in a molten puddle as one of the intermediate alloys has a much lower melting point. With Aluminium having a melting point not much different from most silver solders, along with its tendency to form crusts of oxide which do not dissolve in flux, means that joints in aluminium alloys are not really possible with silver solders. Not in ordinary workshop conditions, anyway.

Sorry.

Cheers, Tim

[Carl Wilson 4Participant @carlwilson4]

Welding it is then.

[Keith HaleParticipant @keithhale68713]

Hello Michael

Re Thesscal A I fear it is a sad end.

Conversations with contacts within the trade, including the manufacturer of Thesscal A have confirmed my thoughts that it is no longer available.

If there is a need to soft solder aluminium or its alloys use the apprropiate soft solder flux with any soft solder. If a decent colour match is required use a silver tin alloy.

All products are readily available but save about £12 on the flux by ordering it for collection at an exhibition. Te delivery costs are very high as it cannot be sent by post.

Regards

Keith

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thanks for the update, Keith.

MichaelG.

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