[TowerTalk] Re: AL Solder (was RG-402 (UT-141) coax preparation)

[Bryan Fields]

K7GCO@aol.com wrote:

> I'm not familure with the aluminum solder you use but I wlll suggest you try
> the aluminum solder often found in the Flea Markets or Home Shows.  It has no
> separate flux, flows well and may have a lower flow temperature.  I solder
> the joints of aluminum tubing with a Burns-O-Matic Torch--for ZERO resistance
> and ZERO maintenance.  These joints have lasted 8 years now.  Clean the
> joints with steel brush, soap and water, rotate joint in lathe slowly, heat
> with one Burns-O-Matic for 3/4/5/8" tubing and "it will flow."  k7gco

The solder works much better with a flux.  The flux makes it possible to
solder to anodized (hope i spelled that right) Aluminum. When I have
used the flux-less solder I have found that it will make a puddle that
crusts over with oxides. It does not flow on the surface like 60/40 does
with copper. One other plus is the melting point is lower than the
fluxes. The only disadvantages I can think of, is the toxicity of 
system and the strength of the joint is less.  If you try this product
make sure that you use gloves to handle the solder. If you grind or file
the joint, make sure you use a respirator, or at bare minimum a dust
mask. Also try not to confuse the flux bottle with your eye drops :-)

73

Bryan, KB9MCI

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