Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: tonyH on November 04, 2016, 05:17:19 pm

Title: Silver or Soft (Solder)?
Post by: tonyH on November 04, 2016, 05:17:19 pm

Hi All,

I'm just sorting the plumbing on the current project and setting out the exhaust side from the engine.
I've been looking at the threads about oil separators and many of the photos show the pipework to be silver soldered on the (hopefully) very low pressure side of the plant.
So...is silver soldering necessary?

Tony

Title: Re: Silver or Soft (Solder)?
Post by: coolbumble on November 04, 2016, 09:35:43 pm

Hi Tony
I don't think you need any solder The one I have came with plastic /rubber piping and works with no problem just a metal plug in the drain pipe.
Enclosing pic of my set up Sorry its a little Fuzzy !
Regards
Ian http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/Smileys/Tug/thumbup.gif

Title: Re: Silver or Soft (Solder)?
Post by: tonyH on November 05, 2016, 05:22:50 pm

Thanks Ian,

I thought that it was a bit of overkill but................ %)

Tony

Title: Re: Silver or Soft (Solder)?
Post by: xrad on November 06, 2016, 02:59:49 pm

'soft' solder comes in various heat ranges just like silver solder.  I like to 'easy' silver solder the steam exhaust header flanges due to heat and sometimes for stress, but not pressure (unless it is a compound engine).  For soft solder, I use highest temp I can find at local hardware store, not low temp electrical.....

Title: Re: Silver or Soft (Solder)?
Post by: steamboatmodel on November 07, 2016, 05:34:33 pm

One solder I have found useful is "Stay Bright" or its generic version. It is 5-7% silver not high enough for pressure work, but very good for mechanical joints.
Regards,
Gerald.

Title: Re: Silver or Soft (Solder)?
Post by: tonyH on November 07, 2016, 09:09:12 pm

Thanks all,

I've taken the usual compromise route and used normal silver solder for the first couple of joints and I'll run with higher temperature soft solder for the rest. It's a bit complicated because the separator does actually have a cold water pipe running through it but I'll mix and match to suit.

Cheers