Can photo etch be soldered?

[Len Woodruff]

I have some small levers I want to solder to a brass rod. Can it be soldered?

[Chief Joseph]

Yes. Check out this article: http://www.indy-amps.org/articles/soldering/soldering.html

[Dr. Cranky]

I believe you can, Len. There's a new DVD out from Adam Wilder that focuses on the many uses of P.E., and in there I see him soldering pieces.

[Modelmartin]

It depends on the material. Brass and nickel silver P/E will solder but stainless will be tough.

[Harry P.]

Wouldn't it be easier to just use CA glue or epoxy?

[Scale-Master]

Soldering is far stronger than cement. And more workable. It is why I soldered instead of cemented the Bentley Speed 8 chassis together.

[Romell R]

Most PE is made from brass or nickle both of which can be soldered using silver solder and a flowing flux. Try "Stay Brite" silver solder it comes with solder and an excellent flux.

[Len Woodruff]

_{Thanks everyone for your input. I tried some last night with the photo etch and it did not solder well. Do I need silver solder? How can I tell if the photo etch is nickle or not. It is silver in color and probably from Detail Master.}

[Modelmartin]

_{Thanks everyone for your input. I tried some last night with the photo etch and it did not solder well. Do I need silver solder? How can I tell if the photo etch is nickle or not. It is silver in color and probably from Detail Master.}

Detail master is stainless steel. Soldering is not going to happen easily. Here is a vid.

MCG, Replicas and Miniatures, etc. use nickel silver. If it is a bit more flexible and can be bent easily it is nickel silver. If it is stiff it is stainless.

[Len Woodruff]

Thanks Andy. Good info on how to tell what material it is.