While I've never had an issue with melting ties, probably because of owning about 5 different soldering tools of various sizes, upon the recommendation of a poster on the Fast Tracks message board I ordered some Supersafe #30 soldering flux and just gave it a try soldering some Atlas Code 83 NS rerailers together for my test track. I used one of those little fuzzy end microbrushes as an applicator. And wow - GREAT stuff. Bonus, this is NOT an acid flux, and it rinses off with hot water. It's so safe it came via regular USPS mail - including a sticker with the DOT Non Hazardous designation.
I got this from H&N http://www.ccis.com/home/hn/. Personalized email correspondence and fast shipping. Note: I have no connection with this company or the makers of Supersafe flux other than being a satisified customer
I have the Supersafe #30 gel flux. For this effort I used my Xytronic 379 soldering station, set on '38' (someday maybe I'll borrow my friend's pyrometer and see if the numbers on the dial correspond to the actual temperatures), with some Amtech .015 63/37 solder. Total time was probably half that of non-flux assisted soldering - it woudl take a VERY heavy hand to melt ties when it flows that quickly.
Next step, solder some feeder wires to the track, order a pair of those new plastic kadee gauges, and maybe a PR3 to make it a standalone program track.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks for the heads-up, Randy.
I notice that he also offers a variety of solders - perfect for 'high heat first, cooler later,' brass model assembly. The obvious model railroad supply orientation is nice, too.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with lots of soldered joints)
Randy,
Got any sample pics that you can post of your test track soldering?
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Not yet, but as soon as I glue down the track (for the second time - yellow glue is NOT suitable, a slight shock and it comes right off, which I mentioned a ways back - I'll snap a few pictures. I plan on making this sort of fancy, with markings every 1/2" or 1/4" from the coupler gauges marked off in NMRA weights, and I'll probably pick up a PR3 to make the whole thing a standalone test and program track. If the scale wasn;t so delicate I'd fasten that on as well so everything would be right at hand - also an NMRA standards gauge attached with a cord so it doesn't wander. The Kadee gauges will be screwed down, no one's going to walk off with those, not even the bumper post stealing cat. And yes I plan to get a couple of the new palstic ones so they don;t short the track, and keep my pair of metal ones around to check things elsewhere.
Thanks for the link and the tip, Randy.... I ordered the gel flux today.
Bob/IronGoat