The basics of Soldering Brass

Brass is the alloy formed by mixing any proportions of copper and zinc. The proportions are varied for the material properties needed.

Copper is easily soldered and so does Brass if you use the right flux and have the right heat.

The flux is used to removed the oxide and allow the solder to bond into the material and link two pieces together. You can if the part are very small small use electrical "cored solder" with the flux being in the cores but larger pieces are better soldered using the type of flux used in plumbing and a micro point butane torch as the heat source.

It is best to practice soldering on scrap pieces of metal similar to those of the finished item to get a feel of the technique to be used. It is not impossible to heat up the brass to such and extent that it melts!

Also too much heat can result in the flux just being burned off, or too little heat and the flux never reaches a suitable temperature - in both cases a satisfactory joint cannot be made.

The amount of flux to be applied to the joint before assembly is depended upon the flux being used and thus the instructions must be read and followed.

Then heat the part until you see a reaction taking place which is the flux doing its job. Introduce the solder to the metal and NOT TO the flame and when it is at the right temperature is will flow easily - too easily at times, when the metal is too hot and run out of the joint ; so make sure that the surface you are working on is fire proof!!!

WARNING

Always carry out the soldering in a well ventilated room and avoid inhaling any of the fumes given off by the process. Wash away any spills especially if in contact with your skin and ALWAYS follow the direction on the containers of flux and solder.