can i solder rusted metal items together

Apr 23, 2007 10 Replies

i am going to create some small metal "sculptures" (desktop size) using old found items (nails, small metal pieces, etc.), all of which are rusted as a result of exposure to the elements. i want to be able to connect the various pieces together as a form of artistic expression. in that they are generally small items, i felt that soldering them would be the best form of adhesion but the solder i have tried does not seem to bind the pieces together. any thoughts/ ideas?



donl



I once had some brazing rod that was *very* good on rust. But soft soldering over rust: Forget it!

Nick

Better to solder when clean and then develop a way of making the rusty patina that you want. Rusty items do not solder well, if at all. Most items to be soldered should be sanded or wire brushed bright.

On Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:10:12 -0700, "Max"

A little flux will make a difference too.

Max

=========== This may be a good application for epoxy, Comes in colors including clear. No heat distortion/discoloration. If you like the patina you may want to matt clear urathane spray after assembly.

Unka' George ================ When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary. Thomas Paine (1737-1809), Anglo-American political theorist, writer. Common Sense, ch. 4 (1776).

"F. George McDuffee" wrote: This may be a good application for epoxy, (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ You might even scrape a little rust of a donor part, and mix it with the epoxy, to make it blend even better.

That won't stick to rust, either(not much will). Read the directions sometime! Calls for clean surfaces.

Stan

wrote: That won't stick to rust, either(not much will). Read the directions sometime! Calls for clean surfaces. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Ah, the perfect solution: Clean the surfaces; then solder, silver solder or braze. Then coat with epoxy that has some rust granules mixed in.

Have you tried acid cored solder?

Graham

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