Silver Soldering Inverness or Elgin way

Hi Carl, can you soft solder plumbing fittings? If you can, then silver solder follows much the same. Surfaces should be clean, flame should be hot enough to get the part(s) to dull red heat. Just to try it out, buy a length of silver solder and packet of flux. for examples look here **LINK**
Buy a small gas blow lamp from B&Q, SCREWFIX, whoever you like - nothing too expensive, borrow your neighbour's perhaps. Now experiment with small parts, Silver solder a 1/4" copper tube into a bit of brass plate with a 1/4" hole drilled into it. You will see just how easy it is.
If you want to make a boiler, that is a very different kettle of fish. Experiment and learn from your mistakes. Not too much heat, but just enough. Every job is different. Get a bit of fire brick or thermalite block. See how you can conserve heat by using these.
If there is someone nearby all the good, but I would just do it.
BobH (Ex Turriff)

I was wondering what the difference is between the 'Inverness' and 'Elgin' techniques?

Is this like the 'West Lothian' question?

Neil

Hi Carl

Two thoughts.

Firstly

get to understand the principle of silver soldering - capilllary flow.What to do, why and how. Visit **LINK**

There is a short video clip to help you.

Secondly

there is a separate video going into more detail about the principles and how it relates to boiler manufacture. The best of both worlds. Good technical advice and a demo from a true professional Helen Stait of Western Steam.

But for help at any time call us on 01909 547248

Regards

Keith.

I think I am right in saying that you cannot silver solder aluminium

I believe it can be soft soldered using special fluxes and alloys

Roy

Edited By roy entwistle on 29/05/2017 10:42:45

Edited By Carl Wilson 4 on 29/05/2017 10:58:31

Yep, silver soldering becomes 'alloying' when attempted with aluminium

Neil

In that case HTS2000 may be the stuff to use. I'very been impressed with it.

HTH,

Rod

Edited By Roderick Jenkins on 29/05/2017 11:45:31

Nivvir min, Inverness technique is in the Gaelic and Elgin technique is in Doric spik.

Edited By George Clarihew on 29/05/2017 20:37:12

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Keith

Edited By Carl Wilson 4 on 30/05/2017 09:19:23

I think Neil was suggesting that it will all melt into a messy lump hence the winky

To silver solder you need to get the actual parts upto a temp of at least the melting point of the solder so that would mean getting the ali upto 650+deg, it may not flow but would start to sag and distort.

Edited By JasonB on 30/05/2017 10:06:18

Perhaps Keith from Cup Alloys would explain why aluminium can't be silver soldered ( Or if it can, how )

Roy

Would the melting point of aluminium and silver solder being similar be a problem ?

Mike