Solder suggestions

[C2H6O]

Hi all just a quick question about solder. I will be having a go at modifying my old still this weekend and will be armed with an old propylene torch (bernzomatic when they were sold by Lufkin). I have tried this torch with 2% silver solder sticks from Bunning’s and the burnzomatic lead free soft solder and had substantially better results with the 2% silver solder. Everything tells me that this is alright to use but figures I better ask anyway? Also while I’m annoying you :oops: , digital thermometers can anyone recommendation one for a 2” column (LM) and then another for 1.5”pipe (VM).

Cheers

[Camikaze]

For thermos, I use Dick Smith ones. They are tops. Can't find it online ATM but they cost about $20 Seal it with teflon tape in a bit of 1/4" soldered into the column. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

thermo.jpg

Solder? Dunno. I used bernzo and Aquasafe. Both are awesome.

[blond.chap]

Hey mate,

It's worth differentiating between lead free soft solder, and silver brazing alloy (also called silver solder), as they've quite different to use. They're both safe for our purposes.

The main difference is temperature required, soft solder needs fairly low temps, while silver brazing needs higher. The disadvantage to silver brazing is that it softens the copper that you're working on (due to the higher temp), however it makes a stronger join. I find silver brazing a bit easier than soft soldering, as it doesn't need the same level of cleaning and works without flux. If you want to give soft solder another go, you need to clean, flux and keep the heat off the join. Have a look here: http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2931

Also, if you want to soft solder, use a roll of this stuff rather than bernzo (its cheaper and I find it runs easier): http://www.cagroup.com.au/Aquasafe_100.asp

Another option for thermometers is these:
http://www.esbrewing.com.au/pure-distilling-spare-digital-thermometer.html

[C2H6O]

Perfect guys, once again some great information. I was pretty sure it should be fine, but its free to ask and I'd hate to end up drinking something tarnished (without booze that is). Ive got a tub of flux some sticks of 2% and some time on my hands.. Pretty excited about banging away at some copper.

Thanks again

[Camikaze]

Good luck dude. Tis very theraputic. ;-)

[Sam.]

Pretty excited about banging away at some copper.

:laughing-rolling: :laughing-rolling:

[Kimbo]

Pretty excited about banging away at some copper.

:laughing-rolling: :laughing-rolling:

:law-policered:

[cps1]

I tried a couple of digital thermometers but they were not rated above 65 degrees

I ended up buying 5 on ebay for about $1 each + $5 postage for the lot from Hong Kong

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-LCD- ... 460b2b5dce

I have one attached to the boiler so I can see how the thing is heating up, one at the top of the column and one in the water outlet for the condenser so I can regulate the water supply.

It's hard to believe the price but so far so good

[C2H6O]

Pretty excited about banging away at some copper.

:laughing-rolling: :laughing-rolling:

Ha ha cant believe i didn't pick up on that... Nice work... :))