smart51
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| posted on 17/10/06 at 03:04 PM |
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How do I solder aluminium
I've tried it with conventional solder and with silver solder, using a gas flame. The solder just forms small spheres and doesn't stick.
Do I need a special solder or flux? what and where can I get it?
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 17/10/06 at 03:09 PM |
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Aluminium won't take regular solder - the metal forms a very tough oxide before the solder can make an alloy.
There are 2 main alternatives:
1. Welding - a major skill, and too hard to describe here!
2. There is a special soldering system called Lumiweld - you can buy a sample kit that comes with some special solder, a stainless steel brush and
some instructions. I've used it, and the results aren't bad. Wouldn't use it for something structural, but good enough for most
jobs (I think it uses a zinc alloy as the solder). If you have a BOC shop in your town then they sell it, or you could try
Frosts
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NS Dev
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| posted on 17/10/06 at 03:33 PM |
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is this for a radiator?
I've used lumiweld satisfactorily on these before to make bleed nipple bosses etc.
got a tig now so no probs but used it in the past
Retro RWD is the way forward...........automotive fabrication, car restoration, sheetmetal work, engine conversion
retro car restoration and tuning
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02GF74
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| posted on 17/10/06 at 03:34 PM |
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Lumiweld and Techoweld - comes in sticks, you heat up the work piece, rub the stick on so it melts then poke away with the stainless steel rod to
break through the oxide.
It alloys with the alumimuim and if done properly is meant to be stronger than the original material 
Aluminium is extremely good conductor of heat so if your workpieces are large, your teeny plumbers torch won't be able to supply enough heat -
place a tray on top of a kitchen hob or camping stove.
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RazMan
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| posted on 17/10/06 at 05:03 PM |
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I saw a demo of this at one of the shows last year - quite impressive. As said, you need a very powerful blowtorch to make a good 'weld'
but the results are often stronger than the actual metal used
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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mad4x4
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| posted on 17/10/06 at 05:33 PM |
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Used technoweld years ago. works well but needs abit of skill . quite dear.
B&Q used to stock technoweld or similar uner there own brand usually near the compressors and tools.
Scot's do it better in Kilts.
MK INDY's Don't Self Centre Regardless of MK Setting !
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stevec
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| posted on 17/10/06 at 06:09 PM |
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I have seen Technoweld used. Its pretty good.
Steve.
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MikeRJ
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| posted on 17/10/06 at 06:54 PM |
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You can get special solder for aluminium, it's often used for soldering wires onto the backs of solar panels. It's still not as easy as
normal tin/lead solder to work with.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=3952&QV=Y
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02GF74
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| posted on 18/10/06 at 08:19 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by MikeRJ
You can get special solder for aluminium, it's often used for soldering wires onto the backs of solar panels.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=3952&QV=Y
that's really weird - I knew I had seen that but search on Maplins did not throw it up; thought I was going mad but see that I was right all
along.
***** NOTE - it has been discontinued hence maybe why the search failed?
To repair brimabright - land rover alumium based body panels - there is a corrosive flux that is used when welding - I'm sure this would help
with soldering, how good the result would be I don't know. All traces of the flux need to be washed off.
[Edited on 18/10/06 by 02GF74]
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MikeRJ
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| posted on 18/10/06 at 12:35 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
***** NOTE - it has been discontinued hence maybe why the search failed?
Oops, didn;t notice that. Try
Chronos.
I have ordered quite a bit of stuff from Chronos and they have always provided an excellent service.
[Edited on 18/10/06 by MikeRJ]
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smart51
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| posted on 18/10/06 at 06:39 PM |
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I bought some aluminium rods from B&Q today. They didn't have the "kit" and only sold the rods in twos. I had a quick go just
now and soldered about 50mm of pipe to a 0.5mm sheet. Its quite easy really and the joint is stronger than the [admittedly thin] sheet. It
didn't seem to joint to copper too well but I can live with that. I need to get some more rods as they use up quite quickly then I'm
away. Thanks everyone.
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NS Dev
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| posted on 19/10/06 at 08:58 AM |
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If you need anything welding up I am not too far away (near hinckey) and can always TIG it up for you (obviously copper included, but not to ally! )
Retro RWD is the way forward...........automotive fabrication, car restoration, sheetmetal work, engine conversion
retro car restoration and tuning
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wilkingj
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| posted on 19/10/06 at 05:13 PM |
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Clean the surface with a stainless steel wire brush (if you have one) first.
Be careful with the heat, as its easy to melt the workpiece... Been there with my excellent blowlamp 
Both lumi and Techno weld are good products but require a little skill as ally melts easilt with too much geat.
A little practice is needed first, and pay attention to the heat you are applying as much as the solder and stainless abrading roc (stirring
stick!)
1. The point of a journey is not to arrive.
2. Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
Best Regards
Geoff
http://www.v8viento.co.uk
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johnjulie
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| posted on 19/10/06 at 10:57 PM |
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HTS 2000 is one of the latest to appear on the market, doesn't require the stainless brush etc. Not cheap though!
Have a look on google, there are some good videos of it being used.
I intend buying some direct from the US, much cheaper, even with the postage.
Cheers John
JFDI
"Just F*****G Do It"
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dern
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| posted on 21/10/06 at 06:25 PM |
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Can you build fuel tanks using sheet ally and lumiweld or would it not be strong enough or leak proof enough?
Ta,
Mark
R1 (2003 FI) powered Locost in progress
Fireblade/Impreza
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RazMan
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| posted on 21/10/06 at 09:02 PM |
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There is some interesting info on the HTS range here.
http://www.aluminumrepair.com/
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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johnjulie
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| posted on 22/10/06 at 09:56 PM |
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For a fuel tank, you need a professional tig welder. It should also be pressure tested when complete. The actual welding wouldn't cost much,
it's the time taken to fabricate the tank.
Don't skimp on safety!!!!
Cheers John
JFDI
"Just F*****G Do It"
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02GF74
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| posted on 23/10/06 at 09:50 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by dern
Can you build fuel tanks using sheet ally and lumiweld or would it not be strong enough or leak proof enough?
I reckon it is doable - but it would cost you a fair bit in rods and gas - you'd need a pretty hefty blow torch though.
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NS Dev
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| posted on 23/10/06 at 11:34 AM |
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would be a pain and a mess
Retro RWD is the way forward...........automotive fabrication, car restoration, sheetmetal work, engine conversion
retro car restoration and tuning
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RazMan
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| posted on 23/10/06 at 11:38 AM |
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Personally I wouldn't risk my life for a few extra quid getting it TIG'd
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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dern
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| posted on 23/10/06 at 10:32 PM |
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Fair points. I'll keep saving for the tig kit.
Regards,
Mark
R1 (2003 FI) powered Locost in progress
Fireblade/Impreza
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NS Dev
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| posted on 24/10/06 at 07:18 AM |
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how's the locost coming along dern? haven't been on the westie forum for a bit now, you still on there a bit?
re. ally welding, I need to sit down and get to grips with it, got the kit to do it now but just not had the time and don't make the mistake of
thinking that once you have an AC tig the ally welds itself, I have found it pretty tricky and I can weld stainless steel perfectly!!!
Retro RWD is the way forward...........automotive fabrication, car restoration, sheetmetal work, engine conversion
retro car restoration and tuning
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dern
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| posted on 25/10/06 at 10:48 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by NS Dev
how's the locost coming along dern? haven't been on the westie forum for a bit now, you still on there a bit?
Thanks for asking -
slowly 
I fit bits of work in on it when I can and enjoy it when I do. I've got all the rear suspension installed (although awaiting a couple of axle
stubs) and now need to take a deep breath and install the wishbones 
I pop in to the wscc website every now and again.
Regards,
Mark
[Edited on 25/10/06 by dern]
R1 (2003 FI) powered Locost in progress
Fireblade/Impreza
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