Soldering problem question

A

AlexI

Joined
May 5, 1999
Messages
49
Hi all,

yesterday I tryed soldering a guard on for the first time (after reading several knifemaking books and monitoring the forums for a while). I'm quite pleased with the result, the joint is strong and looks OK after some cleanup (I expected the first try to be a total mess).
The problem is that there are a couple of pinhead-size cavities visible in the joint. This is OK on this knife (it is going to be a big ugly user anyway), but I would like to avoid it in the future projects. My theory is that I allowed the flux to buble too much while applying solder, and some bubles got trapped in the solder as it set.
Can you give me some practical advice on how to avoid this?

Thank you.
Alex.
 
When you're soldering have a piece of clean 1/16" brass rod handy, sand the end into a point. Once the solder is applied, run the pointy end of the rod thru the molten solder. Do this on each side. This will help release any air bubbles. If you use liquid solder and an acid brush to apply it, you can just use the brush to remove alot of the excess solder and air bubbles. Since I started doing that, any sloppy solder is so thin, it buffs right off.

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
Yea what L6said.You just have to practice.....Bruce

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Bruce Evans Handcrafted Knives
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The soul of the Knife begins in the Fire!!!!!
Member of,AKTI#A000223 and The American Bladesmith Society
 
One other bit of advice. Make sure you REALLY clean up the area around and close to the solder joint. Flux is no more than an acid and it will continue to "work" if you don't clean the area real well.

C Wilkins
 
Here's what always works for me. I keep a small brass or steel brush handy and use it to brush all the loose sloppy solder away while touching it with the torch now and then. Then, while the joint is still hot, brush on some more flux (I use plumbers C-flux)to clean it up and hit it with the torch again and add just a tiny bit of solder to fill in any gaps. Brush the joint rapidly with the flux brush to get a nice even fill and come out with a smooth finish. Also, when you clamp your blade in the vise, be sure to position it so the excess solder runs to a harmless area in case it pools up.

It takes practice, but once you get it down, no problem.

[This message has been edited by MaxTheKnife (edited 09-26-2000).]
 
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