hello guys. im totally new to this metalwork things. i need to do it for my project. i need to join stainless steel wires to build some kind of structure (eiffel tow. for example).i already have the wire and the torch. now the question is: where do i get silver solder? is it expensive? and what is flux for? is it necessary? what does it do? is it expensive?thank u for ur time guys! :)
u will need to use Grade 4 silver soder and standard silver soder flux .
the flux you need is powdered borax
Silver Solder is more expensive than lead/tin solder as it contains silver. It also melts at a much higher temperature. You require special Flux designed for stainless steel and silver solder. Cost of Silver Solder and Flux will depend on the quality, quantity, and where you are located. Prices vary from area to area especially country to country. Instructions: 1: Clean all surfaces to be soldered with solvent and a wire brush to remove all grease, corrosion or dirt. 2: Apply a coating of flux to the stainless steel parts you are connecting. If you are soldering brass or copper parts to the stainless steel, tin them first by heating them and applying a thin coat of solder to the area that connects to the stainless steel. 3: Hold your parts together with wire or clamps. Make sure the surfaces fit flush. Silver solder will not fill gaps. 4: Heat the parts with a torch until the solder flows onto the joint. When the parts are hot enough, the solder will instantly turn to liquid when it touches the metals, then it will flow into the joint. If it does not do this, keep heating the metal until it does, but do not heat the solder directly. Only allow the hot metal to melt the solder. 5: Remove the torch and solder as soon as a sufficient amount of solder melts onto the joint. You don't need much, and a glob can look ugly. 6: Allow the metal to cool before touching or cleaning it. You can dunk it in water to cool it faster.
You can buy it on Ebay . The flux cleans the surface so the solder will stick . Check with a welding supply to see if this process will work on stainless.
