Soldering would be fine, if you do it right. For what it's worth, here is
how I make those kinds of joints:
1. Clean the pieces; I do this easily by swabbing some muriatic acid on the
copper and then rinsing with a little water. Muriatic acid is used by
painters and many metal shops. It cleans copper in just a few seconds; you
can get a gallon jug (a lifetime supply) at any paint store or places like
Home Depot for just a few dollars;
2. Use a propane torch and get plenty of heat; You might be able to use a
large iron if the pieces are not too big; I have found that a torch really
does the job and you never have to worry about getting enough heat; large
pieces of copper can absorb an amazing amount of heat, and sometimes
outdoors you just never seem to get enough heat with an iron;
3. I never use silver solder, but I guess that would be fine if you have it;
I use regular resin core solder, normally the larger size that you can get
at Home Depot; It will flow nicely and you will get an excellent bond if you
have real clean pieces and plenty of heat;
4. For added strength (and if lightning was an issue), put at least one 1/4"
bolt thru the joint; use flat washers and a lock washer; I normally use
stainless hardware for this; I actually do this before the joint is
soldered, leaving it very slightly loose and when the solder runs I quickly
give the nut a little extra twist;
5. Swab the entire joint liberally with some roofing compound, or just spray
it several times with some metal primer and whatever color paint you need to
use (if appearance is an issue);
I have quite a few of these kinds of joints around my yard, and all have
been under the surface of the dirt for many years. Not a single one has
ever come loose.
Wes - N5WA
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
[mailto:owner-towertalk@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Jim Smith
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 1:07 AM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Shredded Ground
I'm in the process of building a shack in the basement. I have a
3" wide strip of copper going from the shack right through the
basement wall. It sticks out of the wall about 1 ft above grade.
Until I get the ground rod in the strip has been lying on the
sidewalk, rather like a copper version of Mick Jagger's tongue
sticking out the wall and lying there. Well, yesterday, the jerk
who cut our grass ran his lawnmower over it and shredded it. As
the inside wall is now finished, it would be a lot of work to
remove and replace the Cu strip.
My questions.
1. Can I just solder a new piece on? Lightning isn't an issue in
the Vancouver area but the joint may be underground.
2. If ordinary solder is questionable, how about silver solder?
3. Other suggestions?
TIA for your help.
73 de Jim Smith VE7F0
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