| Author |
Message |
    
John Baer
Intermediate Member
Username: Beerman
Post Number: 300
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 65.96.82.180
| | Posted on Friday, March 05, 2010 - 05:29 pm: | 
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I just got two 35 gallon aluminum pots that I will be using as boil kettles. After reading through the archives I'm thinking that I will try to solder my fittings and I will likely be using brass fittings.
However, between reading the threads in the archive and doing some internet searches, I want to make sure I have everything right.
1) Since I am soldering aluminum I think I will need to use this flux
http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/pdf/spec/Aluminum/Stay_clean_aluminum_solderi ng_flux.pdf. Is this correct?
2) I'm unsure about the solder, can I use this
http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/pdf/spec/Solder/HARRIS_STAY_BRITE_8_SILVER_BE ARING_SOLDER.pdf with the aluminum or should I use this http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/pdf/spec/Solder/ALSOLDER_500_ALUMINUM_SOLDER. pdf. I'm unclear on the procedure for soldering aluminum to dissimilar metal.
Any additional pointers on the process are also appreciated.
JB |
Vance Barnes
Senior Member
Username: Vancebarnes
Post Number: 3909
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 66.32.182.112
| | Posted on Friday, March 05, 2010 - 06:01 pm: |
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Paul M will be able to tell you everything you need to know on this. |
Jeff Preston
Intermediate Member
Username: Jeffpreston
Post Number: 411
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 206.45.42.152
| | Posted on Friday, March 05, 2010 - 11:41 pm: |
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Bring em to me and I'll MIG weld the bugger's. Seriously though, I'd try and find an aluminum or stainless nipple. Then just screw your valve to that. MIG welding aluminum is easy. Maybe a local welder will do it for cheap. |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 11378
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.141.103.148
| | Posted on Saturday, March 06, 2010 - 12:03 am: |
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I haven't seen Paul Muth here for a few weeks, but he tends to lurk. If he sees this, he will no doubt recommend the Harris (Stay Brite and Stay Clean) products. He has posted pictures in the past of what I consider exquisite soldering work that he says is quite strong. I keep saying I will give it a try at some point, despite my mediocre soldering and welding skills.
If you don't trust yourself, Jeff is correct that having a competent person MIG weld it will produce excellent results. |
Brewzz
Advanced Member
Username: Brewzz
Post Number: 779
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 67.11.214.140
| | Posted on Saturday, March 06, 2010 - 12:29 am: |
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I don't think you can silver solder aluminum...I have not tried it,but I would wait for Paul to respond...But I think your fittings would have to be aluminum also.....
Cheers,Brewzz
You might be better with weldless fittings |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 11379
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.141.103.148
| | Posted on Saturday, March 06, 2010 - 01:30 am: |
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Brewzz, in his post (above) John also provides a link to the Harris Alsolder aluminum solder: http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/pdf/spec/Solder/ALSOLDER_500_ALUMINUM_SOLDER. pdf |
John Baer
Intermediate Member
Username: Beerman
Post Number: 301
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 65.96.82.180
| | Posted on Saturday, March 06, 2010 - 03:06 am: |
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Paul mentions that you can solder aluminum in one of the posts in the archives but he says you need to use a different flux than what is included in the silver solder kit. The link above is what I'm assuming you need for aluminum. I'm a little confused since the links in the archive are outdated and I didn't find much discussion on soldering aluminum.
Also, the spec sheet I linked above says you can use it to solder aluminum with dissimilar metals. However, I don't know whether you can use the aluminum flux with the stay brite 8 silver bearing solder or whether you need to use the aluminum solder. The other thing is whether the aluminum solder is "food safe" for a weld inside the kettle.
JB |
Brewzz
Advanced Member
Username: Brewzz
Post Number: 780
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 67.11.214.140
| | Posted on Saturday, March 06, 2010 - 07:56 pm: |
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Yeah,I looked at the links.Not sure what the aluminum solder is comprised of.I think I would try it on a "test" piece first,but that is just me...
Cheers,Brewzz |
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