@snwcmpr According to Wiki soft solder is available in temperature range of 90 DEG C up to 460 DEG C. I used one approx 300. I'm keeping fingers crossed that the thermal expansion differences between SS of the needle and that of the lipstick at whetever the running temperature at the tip isn't great enough to lose the insert. If it does fall out it will drop into the mesh below, or gets blown out due to the pressure. If it is successful then it's a repair easily achieved with tools most of us can put our hands on. Also a temperature considerably below that required for brazing/silver soldering.
Based upon @presscall 's write up regarding the use of hypodermic needles and silbraze, I gave it a go myself. I'm not the most skilled person on the planet, but it worked for me and I have to say, it was a relatively simple task. The only change to the procedure that I made (not having any micro drills to hand) was using the sharp end of the needle as a drill bit to enlarge the existing hole. I'm sure there is someone cleverer than me that can post a link to the procedure, as I haven't a clue how to do it :-( Baz
Thanks @kerophile . By the way, I have plenty of the 0.25mm I/D needles leftover, so (whilst stocks last) if anyone in the UK wants some f.o.c. then pm me your address and I'll send you some. Baz
Well I can now report back on the soft soldered insert, having finally found time to light it. Sorry no flame shots as yet as it really was a quick trial run I hadn't previiusly had the time to do. Flames a nice even blue with a hint of yellow at the tips as it should be. Ran ot for approx 5 mins which I thought sufficient for it to reach full operating temp. and everything wotks fine. I suppose the real test will be repeated firings but at the moment the insert has stayed in place. Personally for all prectical purposes then a high temp soft solder would seem to be adequate. It was done at the neighbours, vetenary receptionist who was a bit quizical when I had originally asked for the needle sample. Now reassured free supplies for as long as I need them.
Great result @Simes! Presumably you levelled off the bit projecting above the vapourising tube tip and de-burred the insert or is that a finishing touch yet to do? John
Hi John @presscall, there is still some cleaning up to do, it sits as is and works. Clean off excess solder, clean the tube up itself and a chamfer to locate a pricker. Also feel the chamfer provides a vapour spread on exit from the burner tip. The fact you can get a 96 back to full functionality with minimal effort is a result whatever the cosmetics are like. Just being able to fully pressurise makes a change without sooting up pot bases, 20/30 strokes and not a waver. I'll use this one as much as possible in it's current state, get a few heat cool cycles in for longevity checking. Without knowing accurately the actual tip temp, then 300 DEG soft.solder would err on the safe side.
