I need to solder a few very small mechanical pieces of stainless that will be part of an electronic device that I'm currently working on. From what I gather, silver soldering is the right technique for this task.
So I bought some supplies in the form of the flux composites shown below.
I also acquired different samples of silver wire so that I can try and see which one works best.
Here's a brief the description of a couple of those wires:
Now, I know that the torch is quite capable of reaching the temperatures needed for this task, because if point it directly at the silver wire it will easily melt it, and it can also turn the SS parts red hot if they're heated for a few seconds. (I read somewhere that heating the parts red hot is undesirable when soldering with silver)
After applying flux to the part, I then used the torch to heat it and waited until the flux went from a paste to a liquid, and then applied the solder. The solder did melt alright, but it curled into a ball, and did not turn into a liquid as I've seen in the videos available in YouTube, and it didn't adhere to the parts at all.
What gives? Am I using the wrong flux? Or is it the wire I chose? Or perhaps the torch I'm using is too small and does not produce the amount of heat needed?
@shortbus , I have a feeling that this sort of thing is right up your alley. Any thoughts?
So I bought some supplies in the form of the flux composites shown below.
I also acquired different samples of silver wire so that I can try and see which one works best.
Here's a brief the description of a couple of those wires:
- Silver Solder Wire 20 Gauge 0.032"
- Silver content: 56%; Density: Extra Easy
- Solidus temperature : 1,145°F (618°C)
- Liquidus temperature : 1,207°F (653°C)
- Silver Solder Wire 20 Gauge 0.032"
- Silver content: 70%; Density: Medium
- Solidus temperature : 1,275°F (691°C)
- Liquidus temperature : 1,360°F (738°C)
Now, I know that the torch is quite capable of reaching the temperatures needed for this task, because if point it directly at the silver wire it will easily melt it, and it can also turn the SS parts red hot if they're heated for a few seconds. (I read somewhere that heating the parts red hot is undesirable when soldering with silver)
After applying flux to the part, I then used the torch to heat it and waited until the flux went from a paste to a liquid, and then applied the solder. The solder did melt alright, but it curled into a ball, and did not turn into a liquid as I've seen in the videos available in YouTube, and it didn't adhere to the parts at all.
What gives? Am I using the wrong flux? Or is it the wire I chose? Or perhaps the torch I'm using is too small and does not produce the amount of heat needed?
@shortbus , I have a feeling that this sort of thing is right up your alley. Any thoughts?