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[ajb68]

I have a 30 watt soldering iron a real cheapie , its ok for wiring but on brass tube etc its not good it seems to lose the heat so quickly when working on heavier stuff and takes a while to reheat so time to buy a new one any recommendation's would be very helpful .
regards Andy

[Dreadstar]

Ideally,I would say to go for a 50-60W soldering Iron. This will alow you to not only solder brass tubing,but to also make up battery packs using 'C' cells. I would say that this is the best GP Wattage range for modelling with.

[FullLeatherJacket]

I gave up trying to solder brass tube etc with an iron a long time ago, mainly because it involves touching the parts with the iron and often shifting them out of alignment. I favour a small micro-torch for such jobs these days.
Suit yourself - works for me.
FLJ

[Mi Amigo]

These look pretty good for the money.

I saw them on offer in store a few months ago for £9.99, looks like they are £15.00 now though.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=35016

All the best
 Neil

[Philipsparker]

These look pretty good for the money.

I saw them on offer in store a few months ago for £9.99, looks like they are £15.00 now though.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=35016

That's an excellent tool, especially for soldering whitemetal parts together, but it's not really man enough for big bits of brass. I use an Antex gas powered soldering iron which gives me a 75w iron effectivly. In fact it's normally used in gas torch format as you can get heat in to the joint quickly so that the sodler melts before the rest of the metal sucks the heats away.

Don't forget to clean the metal and use a decent flux. Copalax or Powerflow from the DIY store works for me. The joint MUST be cleaned up afterwords though. Shiny Sinks sink cleaner works well for this.


Hope this helps.

Phil

[Seaspray]

I've got this model soldering iron and find it o.k. Although it might not be hot enough for tube

Also have got the 4 tips package with it and bought from Maplin

FLJ small micro torch, what is the make of your torch.

[DickyD]

These look pretty good for the money.

I saw them on offer in store a few months ago for £9.99, looks like they are £15.00 now though.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=35016

All the best
 Neil

I have one of these and for the money they are excellent. They used to be £30.

[hopeitfloats]

dont laugh guys but i have  soldered larger parts by putting them on an element of my stove /oven on low heat. works surprisingly well

[funtimefrankie]

I'd got a small gas one from Aldi....very good.

[FullLeatherJacket]

FLJ small micro torch, what is the make of your torch.

It's an Iroda PT200 which I bought a few years ago from Craplins. Imagine my surprise when I just found out that they still list it under their code N16AR. I find that the grip which widens out to a flat base makes it ideal for use where you need both hands to steady the workpiece, and it refills from a butane gas fag-lighter refill can.
Thoroughly recommended!
FLJ

It's also brill for browning the tops of creme brulee....

[ajb68]

Thanks for all your suggestions guys , very helpful  looks like i will be buying one of these little butane jobbies . should do the trick nicely  now soldering is not my strong point so any advice on the best technique would be great 

[Shipmate60]

Clean the parts being joined.
I prefer Bakers Fluid No 3 for flux.
Make sure the parts are clean.
use enough heat for the metal to melt the solder NOT the flame.
Did I mention clean the parts.

Remove the flame and touch the rod/wire to the parts being joined and if the joint is clean and flux applied Job Done.

Bob

[Seaspray]

cheers FLJ

Yes keep it clean and don't fall into the trap of touching it with your fingers after cleaning it. They leave a film on the parts touched which are harder to get the solder flowing and joining

Seaspray

[BarryM]

Any use http://www.aldi-stores.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2827_11307.htm

Barry M

[ajb68]

Any use http://www.aldi-stores.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2827_11307.htm

Barry M

Got to be worth buying at that price i would have thought !
Once again thanks for all your help guys , nothing beats experience and theres many years of it on here ,i really appreciate all your responses it just goes to show what a great forum this is 

[BarryM]

Andy,

I bought a similar set last year although of a lower wattage. If these are the same then the quality is good and they come with a 3-year warranty plus a handy supply of solder.

Cheers,

Barry M

[ajb68]

Clean the parts being joined.
I prefer Bakers Fluid No 3 for flux.
Make sure the parts are clean.
use enough heat for the metal to melt the solder NOT the flame.
Did I mention clean the parts.

Remove the flame and touch the rod/wire to the parts being joined and if the joint is clean and flux applied Job Done.

Bob

Thanks for the practical advice guys , i found a smallish gas torch in the garage  ok just one problem , NOW I WANNA SOLDER EVERYTHING  Regards Andy