Why not silver solder?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

A lot of people use PbSn (Lead-Tin) solder to connect their track sections together. Why not use Silver solder? Wouldn’t that make more sense? Or is it much harder to work with?

(I’m asking because I’m starting track layout, and trying to decide which to try.)

Thanks,

Don

2

Silver solder melts at a lower temperature and is more expensive than regular 60/40 solder. Silver solder is not as strong as regular solder, but this difference in strength should be of no concern for model railroad use since our solder joints aren’t tugged on or flexed a lot.

3

True silver-solder is very strong; much more so than regular solder.

It is made of Ag-Cu-Zn-Cd-Ni or Ag-Cu-Zn-Sn-Ni, melts at 1100°F to 1400°F depending on the specific alloy.

I use the Cadmium-free alloy, a MAPP gas torch and special flux.

It costs about $17 per Troy ounce.

It requires skill to use; although once learned it is not too bad.

I would not use it to join rails.

Alex

4

The other BIG problem with silver solder is what happens to the layout, ties, and anything else within about 36" when using that torch!
Bob Hayes

5

The other thing is, most of the flux used with silver solder are corrosive. It will make a mess that is hard to clean up. I’ve used it for plumbing systems and joining copper-nickle pipe in ship board sea water systems, but anything electrical, I use a good quality ‘electronics’ rosin core solder.

6

Yeah, my first thought when I saw silver solder was “Why does he want to use a torch to solder hobby stuff?”. I’ve used it for copper plumbing and I sure don’t want to try to solder wire to track, and not totally obliterate the plastic ties!!! Regular old electrical 60/40 solder is enough of a challenge for most guys. I solder pretty well, but there is no way I’d ever try using silver solder on my railroad.

Mark C.

7

I’ve used silver solder on electronic projects with a special iron. It has the benefits of not oxidizing, and helps maintain a high quality of digital signals.

But now I’m thinking that the extra temperature and corrosive effects of such solder may negate the benefits.

Thanks for the heads up guys.
~Don