USS Constitution - Model Shipways

[Namabiiru]

i am trying to figure out if rosen core solder needs flux or not. I thought the rosen core was the flux...

It is. As a matter of course I use paste flux most every time anyway. Of course, the best thing for soldering small parts is solder paste, but I store mine in the refrigerator and I don’t usually plan ahead well enough to have it out and warmed up when I need it.

 

[Namabiiru]

You may want to try using silver solder and flux. Make sure the area to be soldered is really clean. you can cut the solder into small chunks if it is more helpful. I am sure there are a 1,000 you tube videos on how to do it.

Amazon.com: STA-BRITE SBSK Silver Solder 3/64 1/2 oz STAR2000 by Stay-Brite : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: STA-BRITE SBSK Silver Solder 3/64 1/2 oz STAR2000 by Stay-Brite : Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

Very true. I have not tried silver solder yet, but your point about cutting off small pieces is absolutely right, no matter which solder you use. And by small, I mean bread crumb size.

 

[Peter Gutterman]

A look-see into jewelry making I am sure would be of use.

 

[Jack Sparrow]

I have the correct solder and I also have some flux. I think I will try to add extra flux to the joint even though the solder has a rosen core.
And I will sand the parts as well as recommended in a previous post. I was under the impression that flux serves to clean the parts, but that doesn't seem to be good enough as the soldered joint I made is weak.

 

[Jack Sparrow]

I have to find something to fit in the holes at the bottom of the chainplates. These holes serve to attach the chainplates to the hull. The nails they gave are too big for the holes. Lauch Street suggested using model train rivets, so I ordered some, but I don`t like their look. Maybe once they are painted it won`t show that they are made of plastic. I hope so.

I can also try to widen the holes but I don`t have a lot of extra room to work with.

 

[Namabiiru]

I have the correct solder and I also have some flux. I think I will try to add extra flux to the joint even though the solder has a rosen core.
And I will sand the parts as well as recommended in a previous post. I was under the impression that the flux serves to clean the parts, but that doesn't seem to be good enough as the soldered joint I made is weak.

Flux will only do so much to "clean" the parts. It will remove the microscopic layer of oxidation that forms as soon as the bare metal is exposed to air, but it won't remove shellac or other coatings that have been applied to prevent such oxidation.

BTW, go easy on the flux. It does only require a small amount, and excess flux will just leave a gummy residue that will need to be cleaned off afterward.

 

[Jack Sparrow]

You may want to try using silver solder and flux. Make sure the area to be soldered is really clean. you can cut the solder into small chunks if it is more helpful. I am sure there are a 1,000 you tube videos on how to do it.

Amazon.com: STA-BRITE SBSK Silver Solder 3/64 1/2 oz STAR2000 by Stay-Brite : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: STA-BRITE SBSK Silver Solder 3/64 1/2 oz STAR2000 by Stay-Brite : Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

thanks. I do have silver solder.

 

[Jack Sparrow]

Flux will only do so much to "clean" the parts. It will remove the microscopic layer of oxidation that forms as soon as the bare metal is exposed to air, but it won't remove shellac or other coatings that have been applied to prevent such oxidation.

BTW, go easy on the flux. It does only require a small amount, and excess flux will just leave a gummy residue that will need to be cleaned off afterward.

thanks. I`ll do that.

 

[Vfordyce]

Lots of good advice here.

 

[Rob444]

I have to find something to fit in the holes at the bottom of the chainplates. These holes serve to attach the chainplates to the hull. The nails they gave are too big for the holes. Lauch Street suggested using model train rivets, so I ordered some, but I don`t like their look. Maybe once they are painted it won`t show that they are made of plastic. I hope so.

I can also try to widen the holes but I don`t have a lot of extra room to work with.

You can also try cutting some thin brass rod and use those as nails. If you want you can use thin slices of small diameter styrene rod glued over the ends of the rod/chain plate as the head of the rivet but at this scale you probably don't need to bother.

 

[Jack Sparrow]

You can also try cutting some thin brass rod and use those as nails. If you want you can use thin slices of small diameter styrene rod glued over the ends of the rod/chain plate as the head of the rivet but at this scale you probably don't need to bother.

great idea. thanks

 

[Jack Sparrow]

Here is one that took me about 2 minutes to make. It seems solid enough. I dare not file it further as I will probably wind up removing all the solder. As usual, there will be a 1/16 x 1/16 piece of wood that will cover the front of the chainplate thus locking it into place.

 

[GrantTyler]

Good evening Jack. I’m happy that the admiral convinced you not to send your Constitution off the Beechwood dam. Cheers Grant

 

[Jack Sparrow]

Good evening Jack. I’m happy that the admiral convinced you not to send your Constitution off the Beechwood dam. Cheers Grant

the jury is still out on that one. lol