Custom Made Coil Need Advice

coaledsweat · By: **coaledsweat** On: Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:26 pm

traderfjp wrote:The melting temp for solder is about 210 degrees.

Thats C not F, Leaded solders can go over 360*F, low lead runs 340-360*F.

LsFarm · By: **LsFarm** On: Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:30 pm

coaledsweat wrote: Solder will hold up to 375* @ 115# steam very well

I think the melting point of solder is around 450*, You can't melt solder or lead in boiling water [212*f].

I wouldn't be worried about a system with all sweat-soldered copper fittings. It's the way to go.

Greg L

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LsFarm · By: **LsFarm** On: Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:33 pm

Ian, is the melting point of lead or lead solder that low?? I'm surprised.

Greg L.

EDIT: I googled Lead Solder: 179*C, 349*F , Learn something new everyday...

Greg

coaledsweat · By: **coaledsweat** On: Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:05 pm

I have sweated copper joints in a steam finisher that see 375* steam at up to 120# of pressure continuously. I never would have believed it would work, but it does. The low lead does fail after a while. I don't know if this is right, but I heard that the solders melting point goes up everytime you melt it because you burn off some component. It doesn't work harden, it just loses its stick.

traderfjp · By: **traderfjp** On: Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:39 pm

Cool. Thanks again. By the way Lowes has 30 gallon glass lined tanks for 213.00. It makes an inepensive tempering tank.

I have Oatley solder it says:

95 tin
5 antimony

Should I be looking for a better solder? I bought this at HD last year.

Matthaus · By: **Matthaus** On: Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:23 pm

The following are ratios of tin to lead and their respective melting points:
* 63/37: melts between 180-185°C
* 60/40: melts between 183–190°C
* 50/50: melts between 185–215°C
* lead-free solder: melts around 250°C
I believe what you have is considered "lead free". It should work fine. Of course you can always use silver solder available at plumbing or welding supply stores melts at around 616* C depending on alloy. You will kinda need a torch better than your hand held propane to do it effectively.