[Antennas] Soldering stainless steel

Wed, 6 Nov 2002 15:53:51 -0500

I believe you either need to 'silver solder' ( a high temp solder with a
high silver content), braze (a form of low temperature welding), or even
truly weld stainless for a good strong mechanical connection.  Regular 60/40
or newer low lead/no lead solders never seemed to work for me on stainless.

The last stainless thing I did was to create a few field day antennas from
stainless rod and N-bulkhead fittings.  I could not get the rod/pin hot
enough for silver solder without melting the connector insulating material
so I eventually just crimped them in place.

A previous effort to repair a cracked stainless shelf on a nice shop cart
was unsuccessful  - so I took it to a welder who specializes in repairing
restaurant and hospital equipment.  He did a great repair by welding the
shelf and adding a very small support bracket at the weak spot for a mere
$15.  The 'repair' looks like it was part of the original shelf and cart
leg.

--------------
At one time, I did have a high temperature 'MAPP' gas hand torch (looks like
a common Bernz-o-matic propane one) and it did work well when silver
soldering or even brazing things.  I used it to fix a lot of things that
were used outdoors.  It came with it's own high temp gas cylinder, a special
high temp burner head, and a selection of brazing-like rods - AND a stern
warning NOT to use MAPP gas cylinders with burner heads designed for propane
!!  It was much easier to use on things that were large and dense, including
some bronze boat fittings and some large brass pulleys and barn door
hangers.. things that would have 'sunk' away the heat of even a 140W
soldering iron.

My 4 kids are now all adults, and I've noticed that quite a few of my tools
(including the MAPP torch) seemed to have found their way to their homes.  I
really don't mind as the tools all do have a good home and are well cared
for, but I find myself sometimes 'borrowing' back a pipe wrench or plumbing
tool of mine... something that I see as a common side effect of your own
kids growing up and acquiring houses of their own.

73
Frank
 ._._.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ted Sarah - W8TTS" <[email protected]>
To: "Antenna Reflector" <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 9:02 AM
Subject: [Antennas] Soldering stainless steel

> I was wondering if anyone has soldered stainless steel, if it can be
> done at all.  If so, what is the proper way?  We would like to solder
> stainless rod into PL259's.
>
> TNX in advance,
>
> 73 - Ted - W8TTS
> - - -
>
> Your moderator for this list is:
> Larry Wilson KE1HZ [email protected]
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