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PJ
 
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Default Soldering aluminum tubing to steel sheet metal

Racer X typed:
"PJ" wrote
The task you are trying to accomplish is very possible. You are
dependent on your choice of solder and flux's. I would
recommend the Harris brand. Harris Stay-Brite 8 silver solder
would be my choice for the solder. It will bond both metals.
http://www.jwharris.com/jwprod/solderalloys/#SBSolder

My choice for the flux on the steel would be Harris Stay-Clean
flux. It is available in liquid and paste forms.
http://www.jwharris.com/jwprod/braze...uxes/#soldflux

Additionally, Harris makes an aluminum flux for soldering
using the same silver solder mentioned above, Stay-Clean
Aluminum. It is also on the flux page I posted above.

The solder has very high strength and is food safe. The web sites
I posted tells it all.

I would "tin" the pieces with solder - using the appropriate flux -
and then join them together as a unit by adding additional solder.
A propane or Mapp torch should be more than adequate. I have
tremendous success with this solder and flux combination. I do a
bit of work in stainless steel, copper, brass and aluminum. Most
heating/air suppliers that I'm familiar with carry this brand.

I hope this helps.
PJ


Thanks for the informative reply. I'll check into the Harris
products.

Have you ever used the Harris Alsolder 500? It was on the same
page with that silver solder. Would that be a better choice for me
considering I'm working with aluminum?


Alsolder is a possible choice for you, although, the Alsolder 500
does not produce joints as strong as the Stay-Brite 8 solder. I'm
also not too thrilled with the zinc content. My preference is the
Stay-Brite. It bonds very well with aluminum and has excellent
strength. It also has a liquidus temperature range that allows it to
be used as a filler metal.

Just my 2 cents. (BTW - I'm not affiliated with Harris. I just use
the products.)

PJ