[Jewelry making - Article 00078] - Re: [Orchid] Paste solder tips

[Dave Arens]

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Hi Gang,

>      The problem is one of the paste drying out in the needle. Putting
>     the needle under a heat lamp will only make things worse. 

    An easy & inexpensive solution to the 'plugged needle' syndrome with
    pate solder syringes is a trip to the hardware store (take one of
    each size needle along)  Most hardware stores sell hard steel wire
    called 'music wire' in 1 ft - 3 ft lengths. The wire is available in
    many diameters. Select the largest diameters that fit in the needle. 

    Cost of 2, 3 ft long pieces will probably be under $3. When you get
    back to the shop,  cut about a 3" long  piece, fold about  1/4" of
    one end over at 90 deg for a handle. Insert it in the needle. Use it
    both as a cleaner & as a stopper when not using the syringe. 

    As someone also suggested, if the paste gets stiff, dried out,
    mixing a drop or two of mineral oil with the remaining paste will
    probably restore it to the correct consistency. It's the evaporation
    of the vehicle that causes the paste to get stiff; the solder & flux
    are still fine. Replacing the vehicle, mineral oil, usually restores
    the paste to a workable  product. 

    Also storing the paste filled syringes in a zip lock bag between
    long periods of non usage will help keep the vehicle from
    evaporating. 

Dave

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