Hi

I am building a Somthin Extra (Isn't everyone?) kit, but what I want to know is what type of solder do you use. (To solder the throttel cable etc.) I know you must use flux, but is there a specific name that I ask for when I go to the shop? How many watts should my soldering iron be?

Thanks,

You should be ok with a good 30-40 watt soldering iron. I use rosin core solder(which has the flux "built" in), I also use the same stuff for electronics. Don't use silver solder or acid core, as they'll "eat" any parts close by after a while. As with any soldering job, be sure to clean the joint before AND after with alcohol(isopropyl or denatured - not whiskey) to remove any flux, debris, and residue as they are very corrosive and will create problems later on, and will also weaken the solder joint. You should end up with a solder joint that is so shiny that it looks like chrome.

Here's some help:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=172

To get the solder to flow into the cracks, you need 60% tin and 40% lead or antimony solder. The Tin allows the solder to flow. This was what was ment by using electronic solder. In an aplication you are about to persue, I like to smear a little rosen onto or into the adjoining parts beforehand.

Automobile car bodies used to have the dents smoothed out with solder with very little tin so it could be built up.

Enjoy,

Jim

Hi!
Here is what you should get!
There isn't any better sweet solder available and the Weller 50W soldering iron that I have used for 30 years is good too, with its automatic temperature control and iron plated tips that doesn't need cleaning.

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden

The 50w iron would be best but you can use a torch if you want to providing the piece is not in the airplane.

Enjoy,

Jim

Jaka, the solder you pictured is a silver based (very little but some silver) and is somewhat stronger than the electronic solder. However, it uses an acid flux which must be thouroughly cleaned after soldering or you will get a fair amount of corrosion later. For soldering such things as clevises and throttle connection, regular electronic grade solder is very sufficient and, with the rosin core, will not corrode, even if not cleaned off after soldering. Now, if you are talking about soldering landing gear (music wire) you will be better off using an acid core solder followed by a good scrubbing to remove any left over flux when the job is complete.