Choice of Flux for Soldering Fine Mesh

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

I am soldering some fine brass mesh to some steel frames. I have been using a white paste flux from B&Q and washing it off to avoid the flux turning the mesh green. This then means that I need to thoroughly warm and dry the thing afterwards to avoid the frame rusting.

Can anyone recommend a flux which could be used and which would not need washing off and would not corrode the mesh?

Regards,

James.

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

[Richard S2Participant @richards2]

You probably require a 'passive' type flux which does not leave corrosive residues. This Orange flux is resin based and will do the job you require of it (or other similar product).

The only proviso is that you must ensure both parts must be very clean and degreased. You may already know that it will be an advantage to 'tin' both parts separately first and then solder them together.

If using cored flux solder, you may still have issues if the cored flux contains an 'active' ingredient.

I'm sure more experienced members or retailers can add to, or correct this opinion. I have always had good results from this product with no interest or link to the suppliers.

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

Any solder intended for electrical work, normally resin cored.

Stay away from anything aimed at the plumbing market, the modern stuff for non lead solder claims to be non corrosive, but the fumes cause rust.

If you tin both pieces, mesh and steel first then you can avoid using flux to join them

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

Thank you, both, for the suggestions and advice. I shall try some of the "Orange Flux" instead of the plumbers' flux which I have been using.

Regards,

James.

[J HancockParticipant @jhancock95746]

I think the name of the flux is Coralite.

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