Posted by Thank you - your answers always help! Kristina on August 07, 2003 at 08:58:21:
In Reply to: Re: Need Help w/Mixed Solder Question posted by Gary Dodge on August 05, 2003 at 09:51:45:
: Hi Kristina,
: If all the space you have is the width of a pencil lead, (and not the width of the pencil)you really needn't do anything special.
: Unless you're running your iron way too hot for your level of ability, you should have not problem getting either 50/50 or 60/40 to fill the gaps.
: For extremely wide spaces and 3-d work some folks like to lay down a base of 50/50 and cap it over with 60/40. The higher melting temperature of the 50/50 solder resists melt-throughs.
: Only in extreme and special circumstances would I recommend folding foil up into a seam. This can result in a weakened panel overall. There should be strong solid solder forming the support network for your panel. Remember, It is the solder that goes between your pieces of glass that provide the real strength. If you have been fitting your glass so tight that the solder can't get between the glass pieces, your piece may be severely weakened and prone to premature failure.
: When you solder the front or back of a panel, you create a nice metal filigree that covers the side, but if only copper foil bridges between the front and back, your panel is only as strong as the foil.
: GaryD
:
: : Hi,
: : I think I read that you can use 50/50 to flat solder copper-foiled pieces that have slight gaps between them, and then lay a bead of 60/40 over it for a nice look.
: : Do I remember this right?
: : I have a window that has many complicated-cut large pieces, and I changed grinder bits mid-way & didn't realize it was coarse until it was to late. It shaved off enough to make some gaps in places up to the width of a pencil lead.
: : Should I fold copper foil into the gaps (for filler) & then use the 50/50, with the 60/40 as a float bead on top?
: : If not please advise me how to deal with it.
: : Thank you for this wonderful resource you provide.
: : Kristina