Silver Solder Usage

[electrosteam]

I would like to purchase some 45% and 50% Cd Easyflo style solder for a prospective loco boiler.
I am thinking of something the size of a Sweet Pea or Blowfly.

The solder sizes available from an Australian supplier are 1.6 and 3.2 mm diameter.

Can anyone comment on just how much solder, of each size, that might be used ( by a beginner ) ?

Thanks in anticipation,
John.

[Shawki Shlemon]

John , for a medium size 5" G boiler I use approximately .5 kilo , give or take couple rods , the diameter of the solder is not a factor , however, I have used both sizes over time , the only advantage of the 2.4 mm size is when doing the inside of fire box , they are more rigid but not necessary .
You also need the solder for many other jobs , making valves , plumbing etc.., I suggest if you can afford it 1 kilo should see you through the engine and some left . If you want to try both sizes for yourself may be .5 kilo of each .I hope this helps .

[electrosteam]

Thanks Shawki for the input.

This subject is one that I can not find documented anywhere.
I have reviewed multiple sources, bu no one actually provides a guide or comments.
I know the variable factors will influence greatly: boiler size, design, gaps, tools, technique, learned habit etc; but it is interesting that there is such a lack of comment.

Note that the price yesterday in Australia was $630/kg for silver solder sticks, so 0.5 kg of solder is a significant proportion of the cost of a boiler.

John.

[kwil]

That is a very good price, we are paying around 500 UKP for a kilo, I have just used (sparingly) 2 kilos on a 7.25" gauge boiler!!

[steam4ian]

G'day John

Keep your paper work describing the solder to keep the boiler inspector happy.

Regards
Ian

[Julia]

For the boiler 3.2mm will be much more useful. 1.6mm for fittings. Having watched someone using 1.6mm on a boiler they needed several rods per join. When I did mine I followed advise and used 3.2mm and found they worked well, the stiffness of the rod making it easy to control and I was not distracted by the need to change rod mid joint.

[ausdan]

good tip I heard from a 50 plus boiler builder, is for inside fire box etc, he would put some kinks in the rod and then insert it into a small diameter copper tube and have the end of the rod protruding for soldering, and the stiffer copper tube to act as handle of sorts, so the rod is applied exactly where he wants it.

[russell]

Thanks - good tip.

Russell.