General > General Technical Chat
Old School Soldering
joeqsmith:
I was given a few old torches that were removed from buildings before they were demolished. These were used for soldering and I plan to give it a try. A few irons were found with the torches along with some bar solder. The one is a bit odd and I have not been able to find who made it. The more typical one looks almost home made.
To attempt to solder electronics, I think I will need to make a custom iron. The last iron I made was pretty crude.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/homebrew-soldering-iron/msg2134417/#msg2134417
One of the torches is 100 years old, based on the test date marked on the tank. These use leather for the seals which can leak so I changed the design to use Viton seals (should be a little safer).
joeqsmith:
Testing the oldest torch.
SilverSolder:
What would it have been used for, 100 years ago? Fixing Model T radiators?
joeqsmith:
Early cars did use lead in the body work but I suspect the torch predates that. I would guess plumbing and electrical would have been the two primary uses for solder.
joeqsmith:
A decent website with some general information on them.
http://www.blotorches.com/horror.html
One of the torches I was given was made by the Turner Brass Works. There is a site which has some interesting historical information on the company.
https://www.madeinchicagomuseum.com/single-post/turner-brass-works/
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