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Soldering this aluminum pipe isn't working (it won't stick before the solder just flows out onto the floor), so I guess I'm learning how to braze with my butane torch tomorrow. :P
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

smellsofbikes
smellsofbikes
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What type of solder? I feel like high zinc solder might work, but even then, getting through the oxide layer is tough.
in reply to smellsofbikes

Neil E. Hodges
Neil E. Hodges
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I was using acid flux. HCl-based.
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Neil E. Hodges
Neil E. Hodges
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Ooh. The bottle says it's not good for aluminum. I'll see what I can find, and if that doesn't work, I'll try brazing. 👍
in reply to smellsofbikes

Neil E. Hodges
Neil E. Hodges
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Oh, and as far as the solder goes, I tried both 50/50 and 40/60 tin-lead solder.
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Neil E. Hodges
Neil E. Hodges
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I hope my torch is hot enough. Otherwise, this is going to be too expensive and I'll have to figure something else out. :(
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Frank
Frank
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duct tape? 😉

Seriously though, hope you make it work!

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Neil E. Hodges
Neil E. Hodges
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Going to have to order online. None of the welding shops or hardware stores around me carry flux for aluminum. :(

I should be able to get by with soldering alone for this project, though. :)

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Neil E. Hodges
Neil E. Hodges
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Ended up going with Sn95Cu4.8Ag0.2 solder. Wish me luck. :P

(I also added some brass and some aluminum coupling nuts in case the steel ones refuse to be wet by the solder.)

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

smellsofbikes
smellsofbikes
• •
I was going to say, standard lead/tin isn't a great choice, high zinc is definitely better. There are tin/lead based solders that stick to aluminum but they aren't in the 50/50 range, and the best solders have some more exotic stuff in them.
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