[BC] recommended fluxes for silver soldering ground system/radials?

[Cowboy]

On Wednesday 21 April 2010 06:22:30 pm Timothy West wrote:

> What's the best flux on the market to use to bond this stuff
> together?

> using solid silver wire solder 

 Solid silver ???
 30 feet would be.... uh....
 ( scribble scribble, figure figure, scratch scratch, figure scribble )
 about $2345 worth ?

 Pure silver is not a good choice, for a variety of reasons.
 Sell it, and by $50 worth of Sil-Phos or Silv-alloy. ( same stuff,
 different name. 15% silver-bronz-phosphorus brazing rod )
 (( the 5% stuff HVAC guys use can work, but I don't recommend it ))

 NEVER even *think* about Radio Shack "silver solder" for this
 application, nor any lead-tin alloy.
 The "silver solder" isn't silver, and lead will crystalize over time.
 Both are guaranteed to fail from young age.

 If the copper is CLEAN, flux is neither necessary, nor should be used
 at all. It won't oxidize anyway, which is the sole purpose of flux, and the
 flux will contaminate the braze.

 If the copper is severely oxidized and can't be cleaned, then a 
 borax based powder will be best.

 I like oxy-acetelene, slightly reducing flame. VERY slightly.
 I also like a very hot, intense heat and a quick hand, but I've been
 told I'm pretty good. Most recommend lower heat so you don't
 melt the copper.
 You will need at least a MAP torch.


-- 
Cowboy