Soldering 12 gauge copper wire

[charper]

My students are doing an art metal design project using 12 gauge copper wire which needs to be soldered together. Will a soldering iron get the solder/flux hot enough, or will I have to go with a propane source like you do in the sweat soldering of copper pipes? Where is the dividing line between heat sources?

[Al_The_Man]

You need the High wattage Weller GUN type D550PK, comes with specialized tips.
Al.

[charper]

You are indeed the man.
Just ordered one!!!!
Thank you

[mcarvey]

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-D550PK-.../dp/B00002N7S1

-Matt

[Al_The_Man]

Just ordered one!!!!

One thing to watch out for with these guns, is if after a while it does not appear to heat sufficiently, it is usually due to the tip to arm connection, this is either an allen screw or hex head clamp, because the current is very high but very low voltage, it is important to tighten the connection before using each time, as the heating/cooling gradually relaxes the connection, which usually goes un-noticed.
Al.

[NC Cams]

You can also use a 40 or larger wattage soldering iron, maybe 75 or 100 watts. Weller made the ones I have.

These can actually solder things (wire, flat stock, hobby stuff,etc) easier than a gun as they have much more thermal inertia and they don't quench cold when you touch them to the part to be soldered.

We used to use solder guns until we learned how to clean, apply flux (acid or rosin, depending on situation) and pre-tin the parts prior to soldering. A larger iron will actualy solder easier once you learn and practice it a bit. Simply HEAT properly prepared joint quickly, flow solder, allow to cool.

Works much better than heat, heat, heat, heat, cold solder, swear at lame joint, redo multiple times....

[Al_The_Man]

I know I would prefer 250watts at the tip over 40w when it comes to the mass of 2x12 gauge copper.
Even my 140watt Gun is pretty impressive on 12 gauge.
Alot of users don't realize that the first pull on the switch is the high wattage setting.
Al.

[charper]

While my soldering gun is on order..I tried using the propane torch. A little overkill but it wasn't bad. I am trying to get the heat just right and I had a hard time trying to keep my solder out of the flame. I will try like what was suggested..tining (sp?) both ends first.

Had to try it..I was too excited to start on the copper wire sculptures and there are also bracelets that I can make out of flattened 12 gauge copper wire.

Now for the sculptures, I am using acid core. What is the difference in appearance using the roisin core? Does it change the coloration? Also, if I were doing jewelry and wanted NOT to see the solder joints, what type of solder that you could recommend?

Thanks again for the help you guys.

[charper]

I am a woman on a mission.
according to ganoskin.com

You can also buy a copper colored silver solder from Indian
Jeweler's Supply. 1.800.545.6540.

Too expensive for a classroom project, but for my my own work...

[Al_The_Man]

I was going to mention Silver solder, also, for propane torch use, you can get a soldering iron tip, so that the flame is not on the work.
BTW you should not need acid flux with clean copper, the rosin flux is better, both should be washed off immediately afterwards, especially acid, if used.

Al.