Amazing discovery,heh heh

[norgale]

Today I made an amazing discovery; solder comes in a lot of different sizes. Ya ya everybody knows this right? Well I didn't.
So here I am trying to solder some more railings and stancions together for the Athena and all I get is big blobs of solder that has to be filed down to shape or look like bird toot on them. I decided that I needed smaller diameter solder so went to Radio Shack and low and behold there are about ten different sizes. Got the smallest one came home and started soldering. The joints look great and need only a tiny bit of reshaping which will save me a ton of time.
Since others have indicated that they too have trouble with soldering I would suggest that you try using a size of solder that is close to the size of the work.
Now why didn't somebody tell ME all this. Pete

[CornelP]

Not only sizes, but composition... if you want less spills and a shiny look on a surface (will look like zinc plated) try the Lead Free solder (tin/silver mix).
Also, try to avoid the ones with flux core. They are easier to use, but will spill... If you use a simple flux to clean the area (I used to mask the surrounding with tamiya tape) and the solder. Much cleaner...

[Vince Hoffmann]

He knows too much now... someone get a burlap sack and some concrete...

[Ghost 2501]

idea: if you damage a rail, cut the damaged rail, slide some heat shrink over the damaged area, shrink it down and paint to suit. damage GONE

[norgale]

Hahahahahaha! Vince. I figured you were holding back on me.
Ghost that's a good idea for fixing a rail. Never would have thought of that one.
Lots of great ideas on theis forum and beautiful stuff you all make. I am so discouraged now. BooHoo. Pete

[RC Boat]

If you want really good looking soldered joints, try resistance soldering. It also eliminates the heat problem, so you don't have joints coming apart while you try to do a new one. Commercial resistance soldering units tend to be expensive, but you can build your own from a battery charger for just a few bucks. Search for resistance soldering on the internet for instructions.

[charlie eaton]

Hey Pete, Did you know that soft solder was invented here in Newburyport for the shipbuilding industry(you know tall ships etc.) way back even before you were born.