soldering pitts in copper plate

[minord]

Can anyone tell me how I can solder up pitts in copper plate without popping the plating off?



I've tried using a regular propane torch as low as I can go and still keep it lit, also tried a pencil torch, but still no luck. The solder I'm using is a leadless silver paste type, and is supposed to melt at 430 degrees.

Minord

[48Buick]

Soldering copper pits

Minord:
I have had the same problem and had to change my proceedure for soldering.
First off you have to get the part warm (200 deg F) and be able to keep it warm.
I bought some lead bird shot #9 and heat that up in a conainer on a hotplate. Dont heat it up fast. Just put the setting on 200 and let it heat up. You can even have your part in it when its heating up.
Second.....throw away the solder you have and get a low temp solder. I use the old lead type.
After the part is heated up touch the area with some flux paste to clean it.
Next, put some solder on your soldering iron. Not a torch.
Let the solder heat up and then just touch it to the part where the flux is. It should flow readily and cover the pit.
It will take some experimentation so get some scrap parts to practice on.
One other note:
Sometimes popping of the plating can be caused by not haveing a good strike plate sticking to the base metal.
I have also found that once you solder your pits and recopper.......dont solder anymore! It will pop the plating real fast that way.
Hope this helps.
48 BUICK

[minord]

soldering copper plate

Thanks for the reply, but that raises another question.........

I've tried to use lead solder, but couldn't get the copper to plate to the lead. How do you do that?

[48Buick]

If it is a acid copper, it will plate readyly to it. Just make sure you have it clean. I use 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper to make sure it is all shiny and ready to be plated.
48 Buick

[minord]

Hey, thanks man! I got it to work!

That's the key alright, keep it warmed up just below the melting point of the solder. Actually, I didn't have the time to go chase down birdshot, but I used the propane torch just as a sort of "heater", and just kind of "feathered" the coolest part of the flame at the copper plate, (or rather waved the part over the torch) and then used the soldering gun to do most of the work.

I need to find a good heavy iron though, something that holds heat a little better.

I really appreciate your help though, it save me alot of frustration. I was beginning to think it couldn't be done!

Thanks again,

Minord