need to mend my 111 tank after the previous post, re- stuck fixing screw. Had a quick Google around but i don't know which silver solder to buy? What percentage silver/brand/rod size is favourable? Where do you guys generally buy from in the UK? Fleabay have some solder/flux kits with about 56% silver, would this be the sort of thing to get? Some has only got 4%!! Thanks Neil
I might be all wrong here, but does it really need to be silver soldered? My guess is the other items like pump etc. are soft soldered just like on most (if not all) other stoves. Apart from better skills, silver solder needs a better (hotter) torch as well, not everyone has these at hand. All the best, Wim
I'm not sure now myself whether it does need to be silver soldered or just normal soldered. I thought that the silver solder was stronger for this sort of work??
Tin solder is plenty strong and yes the rest of the tank is tinsoldered. So to try to silver solder will ruin the rest! Clean well and use a propane torch with a soft flame and ordinary electronics solder.
I question ... Are 111 stoves soft or hard soldered ? My experience is that theyre hard/silver soldered . has anyone removed a pump tube from a 111 ? Nick
Depends really on what you will be soldering. If you are soldering the pump tube back or the feet then tin solder will do and less expensive. If you will be soldering something where high heat is needed except where it becomes red hot then you need to silbraze it. Ron
111 tanks are silver soldered not soft soldered. During use the tank does get very hot, not sure soft solder would be up to it. Silver solder? the higher the silver content the lower the melting point.
I have now!! Thanks very much. I might silver solder the rivnut/female stud and then soft solder the pump back in seeing as how they are close together. Scared one might fall off while trying to solder the other on?? Gonna clean up and repaint the case first before tackling the awkward bit!! Neil
It is funny to see how easily one gets off track here. Irrespective of which solder is used on an Optimus 111, Mendo has a problem with a small round attachment in the side of a 111 tank, that came loose (why?). As it is a fixing point for a screw, it will need a tougher attachment then soft solder can provide. The rule of thumb is: soft solder for static constructions, silver solderering for dynamicly stressed constructions, as in this case, where it is a stressed fixing point of the tank, that will be pumped up, while likely held by its casing.... The higher melting point of silver solder obviously will ensure a solid bond where soft soldered joints are collapsing, but that is not the point here. An 'easier' formula of silver solder will do little, if any, if the torch lacks power and/or skills are wanting. Nice challenge, but be realistic about the necesary initial investment (silver solder and flux are not cheap, let alone a good torch) and your basic skills versus having it repaired nearby. Good luck, Mike
HI Mike. The rivnut/female fixing was loose as some how one of the stoves owners had managed to get the steel bolt overtightened in it. When trying to undo the bolt the rivnut was just spinning! You are right regarding the initial outlay!! Just spent a small fortune on easy flow silver solder and flux!! Managed to make a gadget to hold the plug/female rivnut in place and then silver solder it in place (only just with my blowtorch and butane/propane mix). Had to soft solder the pump tube back into place though, my torch just wouldn't silver solder it. The whole tank was getting really hot even though I had wrapped a wet rag around it. Possibly need a hotter torch temperature with a smaller flame to get the localised area really really hot? Anyway the job is done. Don't know anyone local who does repairs like this to take it to them. At least now I've got the basic materials for silver soldering, maybe Santa might bring me a torch for Christmas!!
I have one of these with the first 4 nozzles, had it for years, it does everything that I have ever needed. The large one is about 1 1/4" dia, the smallest is about 3/8" http://www.scotgas.co.uk/page3.html The nozzles are easily obtained from ePrey. http://www.scotgas.co.uk/page8.html I've seen those on ePrey as well but because of the weight of the bottle the postage is high. Look for a local pick up listing. I have 2 bottles, I've just been to my local Calor outlet and changed one, about a fiver, and they last for ages. Changes can also be done at plumbing supplies shops. Plumbcentre etc.
Hi Neil, check out this post. I find this torch very good and they were available on Ebay very at a good price: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/14028 Best Regards, Kerophile.
Hi Kero. Which model is the Rothenberger please? There are a few on Fleabay and i'm not sure. Henry - Thanks for the info, I'll have a look at boot sales again! Seen a few decent plumbers torches when I haven't needed one before!! Thanks Neil
Hi Neil, The seller I used is'nt offering the item at the moment. Here is/are the same product(s) from another supplier: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GO-SYSTEM-QUI...DIY_Materials_Plumbing_MJ&hash=item1c13247f16 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GO-SYSTEM-QUI...DIY_Materials_Plumbing_MJ&hash=item1c13248da7 Here is another: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GO-SYSTEM-ber...DIY_Materials_Plumbing_MJ&hash=item3f011bd236 Hope this helps. Best Regards, Kerophile.
Thanks very much again Kero, for pointing me in the right direction!! Looks like it will be one of the Go-System torches when I get some more hobby money!! cheers
