HFS Soldering

[McCracken]

I obviously am devoid of any talent when it comes to soldering. First I thought maybe I don't have enough heat. Fine. I go and buy a 60w iron. Nope. Then I think possibly contamination. So I sand everything down to shiny metal. Nope. Oh it's probably the flux. Nope. I finally went and bought solder specifically for metal work. Hell naw.

I even went as far as to use a propane torch. I've sweated joints on copper before with no issue but this is literally a very small (~1/16") piece of metal rod that I want to put together with another. Can someone please enlighten me?

 

[catfishblues]

What are you trying to solder exactly?

 

[McCracken]

Some little metal rods. I got pissed and just turned the welder to the lowest setting it had and made it work. I'd still like to know though.

 

[Fabrik8]

Is the solder melting but not sticking? You haven't said what the actual problem is.

 

[catfishblues]

What metal? What solder? If it's steel, then you need to brazen or silver solder, and you'll likely need oxy-fuel for that.

 

[RatLabGuy]

Are you using any kind of flux?

 

[McCracken]

The solder isn't sticking. I've sanded the metal to remove any contamination plus used flux. I'm using silver solder and it still sucks a butt.

 

[Jeff B]

What is the parent metal you're attempting to join with solder?

 

[McCracken]

I'd say mild steel because it welds.

 

[Black Bear]

Put the flux where you want the silver to go and heat it up till the color starts to change and add the silver solder. it will flow into joint.