Best Marine Soldering Practices

[MCilenti]

Thanks for the advice all!

I assumed that the butane would be pretty hot and have no problem (in fact, I was worried about it being too hot!). Seems like there may be some that are more powerful, for example:
https://www.amazon.com/Portasol-0105...%2C156&sr=1-13

Any thoughts on this?

Yes, most have an inverter onboard...we on our very simple 1986 BCC do not. I assume at some point before we cast off that will be an addition, but it does intrigue me that I can have a soldering iron, torch, etc. that is quite portable for around the boat and does not require electricity.

That being said, I definitely want to get the right tool for the job (I take my tool purchases seriously).

Yes, by the way- I bought a bunch of spare connectors and plenty of extra coax to practice. Plus, my electric toothbrush could use a new battery for some practice =)

Thanks again for all the help and advice!
Cheers,
Mike

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

All solders are eutectics.

The most commonly used lead solder 60/40 is not eutectic. 63/37 is eutectic, which is an advantage, although this solder mix seems to be rarely used by boat owners.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Re the annealing question: You don't anneal something by quenching it. Rather you let it cool slowly....

True for steel, but oddly, the reverse is true for copper and aluminum (heat and quench). Google it.

[thinwater]

Good thread.


I'm a big believer in crimps, and yet I seem to have a need to solder something every now and then. Most often it is something small or built from components. It's a good skill to have.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by thinwater

True for steel, but oddly, the reverse is true for copper and aluminum (heat and quench). Google it.

For like 45 years I've softened airplane spark plug gaskets by dumping them almost orange hot into a coffee can of cold water. The hotter the better, if you get them to hot, they go egg shape. The perfect quench is when a skanky gasket comes out perfectly clean and bright. At some point they get to thin, but by then you need new plugs anyway.

[lamadriver]

Portasol and Weller same company... lots of other applicaitons with the different tips.

Butane for the boat is perfect.
Buy an extra pl 259 and practice on a scrap, it all about getting the solder to flow, wtach youtube

good luck