Off the wall but..
In this area, I have a plater that can plate copper and/or chrome onto aluminum. You might inquire in your area. Copper
does solder to sheet metal. A thin plated finish might offer what you need to accomplish what you need.
R. Wink


On 14 May 2004 11:11:22 -0700, (Dan Caster) wrote:

I agree with Jim. It would probably cost less to buy copper or steel
( see your friendly scrap yard or auto supply ) tubing than to buy the
solder and flux for aluminum. Soldering aluminum with ordinary solder
is possible, but a PITA for anything but small items.

If you do try this, you might try scrubbing the oxide off the aluminum
with steel wool or sandpaper under a film of oil. And leaving the oil
in place while you solder. Cleaning under molten solder work well for
small items.

Dan


jim rozen wrote in message

So, am I on the right track? Or am I about to make a huge mistake?

This sounds like a great deal of work and you may be unhappy
with the results. I would substitute copper or mild steel
tubing instead for the heater coil, and solder with regular
soft solder.

Jim

==================================================
please reply to:
JRR(zero) at yktvmv (dot) vnet (dot) ibm (dot) com
==================================================