Soldering, tinning and sweating question

[Jonnyofalltrades]

Aluminum forms an oxide layer that cannot be soldered to almost instantly when freshly machined/sanded aluminum is exposed, this is why your sandpaper trick was able to get it to wet out. You don't really want that oxide in the weld so figuring out some way to do this in an oxygen free environment is your best bet. It's the same reason tig welding requires argon.

Yeah, I had figured as much.
Harris does make a flux that is intended for soldering aluminum. I might give it a try.

 

[trevj]

Yeah, I had figured as much.
Harris does make a flux that is intended for soldering aluminum. I might give it a try.

You will need the appropriate Aluminum filler to match.

Have seen some projects that required dissimilar metals. Most, involving aluminum, required that the molten puddle get scrubbed through, to allow the bond to take place in an anaerobic environment.

 

[Rebelson]

You will need the appropriate Aluminum filler to match.

Have seen some projects that required dissimilar metals. Most, involving aluminum, required that the molten puddle get scrubbed through, to allow the bond to take place in an anaerobic environment.

Far from what I can do with my limited equipment as of now. That is a neat idea to think about for potential future projects with a better shop. thanks for your reply