Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Other Technical Questions... => Topic started by: flag-d on June 30, 2006, 10:43:37 pm

Title: Soldering white-metal
Post by: flag-d on June 30, 2006, 10:43:37 pm

I always thought it wasn't possible to solder white metal fittings, but am I right in thinking this?  I have managed to snap a couple of stanchions on my MTB and would like to solder them back together rather than re-fit.  If I can do this...how?

Waiting in hope!

Mike

Title: Re: Soldering white-metal
Post by: RickF on June 30, 2006, 10:55:17 pm

Many years ago, when I used to be a railway modeller, building Wills "Finecast" whitemetal kits, there was an LMP (low melting point) solder that was recommended.

I never used it, being in the RAF with an unlimited supply of free Araldite. Then one day I foolishly put a LNWR "Jumbo" in an oven to cure! You can guess the rest!!!

Perhaps LMP solder is still available.

Rick

Title: Re: Soldering white-metal
Post by: ambernblu on June 30, 2006, 11:15:49 pm

Langley Models - Model Railway suppliers (of Crawley - West Sussex) http://www.langleymodels.co.uk/acatalog/index.htm do stock low melt solder packs (about 70 odd degrees c I think) for white metal kits.

Title: Re: Soldering white-metal
Post by: gribeauval on June 30, 2006, 11:23:32 pm

ANY model railway shop will have low melt solder in stock for their engine kit builders. It also comes in different melting point temperatures and is best used with a variable temperature soldering iron, or you need to be very fast not to melt the parts!!!!

Title: Re: Soldering white-metal
Post by: Dave Leishman on July 01, 2006, 08:35:47 am

I've been experimenting with soldering white metal recently and have found Chronos Ltd to stock everything that's needed and are fast on deliveries too. Here's a link to their solder supplies page -  Chronos solder page (http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/acatalog/index.html?http%3A//www.chronos.ltd.uk/acatalog/Chronos_Catalogue_Carrs_Solders___Fluxes___etc_189.html&CatalogBody).

You really should use the correct flux for the 70 degree solder, as white metal oxidises very quickly and the flux is designed to cut through that.

I also invested in a temperature controlled soldering iron which has proved to be invaluable. I tried the normal iron first, just holding it on the white metal for the briefest period, and trying to remove it before it melted the white metal, but it's a very hit-and-miss technique and not to be recommended.

It's really straightforward using the temperature controlled iron, the correct solder and the right flux ;D

Title: Re: Soldering white-metal
Post by: dannymax on July 07, 2006, 04:14:33 pm

Use Carrs no clean solder cream...

Title: Re: Soldering white-metal
Post by: dannymax on July 07, 2006, 04:15:22 pm

cand l finescale stock a range.