boxbeam

My Feedback: (188)

I am assembling a T-craft with the two piece landing gear, having to wrap wire around the two struts near the axle, then solder. Being steel landing gear wire, what kind of wire should be used to wrap the two pieces together with, and what kind of solder?
Thanks,
Ron

Hircflyer

I use .010 copper wire to wrap and 60/40 solder.

Make sure to wash the flux off when kool.

boxbeam

My Feedback: (188)

Is that solder rosen core?

boxbeam

My Feedback: (188)

Hircflyer,

Just did it with 50/50, that is all I had and it flowed real smooth using a low heat torch. Thanks, appreciate the input!! Just killing time waiting to see that 9ch. sleigh fly tonight, nothing yet, maybe its a weak glo driver?

Dsegal

Radio Shack sells tinned bus wire which is easy to solder. Stay-Brite solder is great for LG assembly.

Dave Segal

boxbeam

My Feedback: (188)

Thanks Dave, I'll pick some up for the next one behind this one.

Rodney

The main thing to do to make a good solder joint is to be sure everything is CLEAN! CLEAN! CLEAN!. Lightly sand the wire with a fine sandpaper or crocus cloth then wash it down with denatured alchohol keeping your finger prints (oil off your skin) off it. On landing gear, a good silver bearing solder works better than the lead/tin mix. It comes with its own flux (much more powerful than regular flux) and is quite a bit stronger yet can be done with a l00 Watt iron. I've used copper wire and picture frame wire and safety wire as a wrap, the copper is easiest to use. Do fabricate a jig to hold the parts in position for ease in assembly. I just use scrap wood and C-clamps for that. You do not want the parts to move while they are cooling or you may get a bad joint. Do scrub off all flux afterwards to prevent rust/corrosion. Use alcohol or thinner for that, even hot soapy water will work.