Question on working with brass

Modeling Subjects Scratchbuilding
1

I have been wanting to scratch build a nascar enclosed trailer using brass square tubing from the lhs.

What method has any one used for soldering the joints? what is the best heat source, also what type of joining material is best to use on the brass?

Thanks for any help I can get on this, If I can figure this out I would like to make an open trailer for my DAd to use to pull his Indy roadster r/c car behind his t-maxx

2

try this product from the hobby store:

Stay-Brite Silver Solder 3/64" 1/2 oz

Works VERY well on brass, and the flux-cleaner is an important part of the soldering process.

3

WHAT SORT OF HEAT SOURCE SHOULD BE USED ?. SOILDERING IRON, PROPANE ?

4

Soldering Iron, one that is easy to hold - Pencil type. For me, the guns are hard to hold, too heavy. Not sure what Wattage to suggest, but will need probably a tip that’s uhmm, say an 1/8" wide.

the idea is to heat the brass enough first…to cause the solder to melt when touched to the Brass. Though of course it will be teh Brass and Solder Iron Tip that you touch with the solder. Just saying the Brass has to be hot enough first.

you will most likely need to make jigs, say of MDF or plywood , to hold the brass pieces in place when joining.

clean the ends of the brass to be soldered, with 400 to 600 grit sand paper also.

BTW, for bigger jobs the Oxygen-Map(propane) gas setups sold at the Big Box Home destroying stores work pretty well. gets expensive to use and Outdoor use only of course

Hoepfully, others will weigh in with other suggestions! [:O]

5

Hey bspeed,

Thanks for the info. I’m gonna start on som scrap pieces first, but am looking forward to this new adventure in building. next up will be working with. plexi-glass

6

Seems like using sheet styrene in the appropriate thickness would be easier - certainly from an assembly point of view. Unless I’m misunderstanding the intent?