Topband: Silver solder

[Bill Wichers]

2% is about what the lead-free electronic solders are (they are a tin/silver/copper alloy and are mostly tin). Don't bother with the 30%. My mechanical contractor uses this stuff to fix things he can't reach well enough to braze. It's not generally used for anything normal. 

Coincidentally I was just out soldering more radials last night. I use 18 gauge solid copper radial wire and a 1/2" copper pipe ring to tie them together. My original 29 radials were all soldered with lead-free electronic solder and they are all fine after 2-3 years. I didn't do anything to try to protect the soldered connections -- everything is fully exposed and lying on the ground. 

I added 31 more radials. I soldered some the same way, but I'm trying regular lead-free plumbing solder on the others. I am finding the plumbing flux to work better than the rosin-core solder (it wets the joints more evenly). I'm not sure what the exact alloy is for the plumbing solder. 

If you use the solder bars remember that you'll need separate flux and brushes to apply it. I like the water soluble flux -- it cleans up way easier. 

-Bill KB8WYP

Sent from my iPad

> On Dec 30, 2014, at 7:28 PM, Jorge Diez CX6VM <cx6vm.jorge at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello
> 
> I read about using silver to solder wire radials to terminals
> 
> This week I decided to ask sellers about silver solder and they offered me a 2% and 30% silver bars
> 
> What we need for our use? Will be ok to use 2%? The difference in price is extremely high!
> 
> Thanks,
> Jorge
> CX6VM/CW5W
> 
> Enviado desde mi iPhone
> _________________
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