Message #203487

[Debbie K]

The biggest reason I've have for soldering not flowing is tarnished solder. I keep all my solder in zip lock bags and don't cut more than I'm likely to need for the job. If it looks tarnished, I sand it down on both sides. Steel wool has oil in it which may interfere with the solder flowing so I don't use it.

Another possible cause is not getting the metal and solder hot enough quick enough. I use my torch on low to dry my flux and once it glasses over I turn the heat up. Just don't do like I did today; keep the torch moving so you don't melt delicate things!

I use paste flux and either a Bernzomatic propane or mapp torch or an Orca propane oxygen assist torch.

In rereading your post, you said that your silver turns black. If that's true, the flux isn't working. Your silver where it has been fluxed should remain silver colored. I think you may have a flux problem.

Debbie K