Silver soldered jounts, how to separate

[modeng2000]

I have to make two identical items but as it turns out only one is satisfactory.
Two pieces of brass were wired together to try to stop movement but this was not completely successful. In one case the joint is fine but the second the two pieces moved and if I can not separate them I shall have to start from scratch.
Are there any tips that would help me separate the bad joint please?

John

[lancelot]

Hello John,
if it is possible to hold ''ONE'' piece of the parts in a clamp or other device that allows the other bit to be free, then bring both parts up to soldering temp or just above, that should release the other bit.
Hope it works for you.
All the best for now,
John.

[modeng2000]

Hi John,

Thanks for that. I should be able to hold the largest piece and then push away the other.
The job was going so well up to then.

I wired the pieces together before soldering and all seemed to be firm but it it was not good enough.

John

[SteveW]

John,

It's not as simple as parting two items soft soldered together. There can be some alloying at the base metal junctions that can put the temperature to re-melt higher than the original joining temperatures.

Also, you'll have to get the entire joint fluid before it'll go anywhere so ensure your means of clamping it adequate.

[modeng2000]

Thanks for that Steve.

I guess I'll try to separate the parts but as this is the first time I have had to try to do this suppose I should use it as a learning experience!!
Perhaps more to the point I should be asking the best way to hold items in the correct alignment while soldering. I tried wiring the two parts together but this was not as easy as I had hoped.

John

[the_viffer]

modeng2000 said:

Thanks for that Steve.

Perhaps more to the point I should be asking the best way to hold items in the correct alignment while soldering. I tried wiring the two parts together but this was not as easy as I had hoped.

John

I know a very skilled model engineer who swears by panel pins. He drills a couple of skewed holes which are a good fit for the pins (apprently every batch is different) drives the pins in optionally giving them a bit of a whack to help them on the way.

[Tel]

Gawsh Fingers, yer makin' me blush, that's 'ow I so it

[the_viffer]

Well so much for me protecting your modesty, Terry.

[modeng2000]

I have separated the parts and can reuse them both. Not as difficult as I expected, perhaps I was just lucky! I decided to use a pair of pins in the joint this time and had no problem with movement.

As it is difficult for me to get to club meetings this help is much appreciated, thanks chaps.