What does “50Bi-50Sn” mean on solder?
BilljustBill
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
I have a chance to buy some solder for $6.50 a roll/pound.
All it has is “50Bi-50Sn” on the plastic reel. The rolls appear new.
What does it mean? Is it a good buy? Can it be used for copper-foil methods in making stain glass windows?
Thanks for your help,
Bill
Replies
it's a thermal fuse element and not solder....
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Bismuth-Tin lead-free solder. Lower melting point than Pb-Sn solder, but more brittle.
No idea what the end color would be for stained glass, should be OK with copper, probably a poor color match over time on came. Does not flow or wet as well as Pb-Sn, unless there is a few % silver added.
For $6.50, try it and see. Get some flux specific for Sn-Bi.
for stained glass work you are better off going with lead - no restrictions using it as there are with plumbing, but you won't be able to find it at HD or Lowes. They sell it in spools at the place you buy the glass and foil tape.
The lead melts more easily, and makes a smoother joint with less effort than the lead-free solders do.
Some chemical elements are named in latin, or other languages, which is why some of the symbols don't seem to match the name.
English Symbol Latin
Tin St Stannum
Potassium K Kalium
Gold Au Aurum
Silver Ag Argentum
Sodium Na Natrium
Iron Fe Ferrum
Lead Pb Plumbum
... and so on. http://www.ausetute.com.au/elemhist.html
Thank you fellows. Your information at least gave me the courage to make a decision ;>) . There was a 5 gallon bucket full of new 1lb. rolls of the bi-sn solder, but I didn't feel I had enough information to gamble my $6.50.... Especially, when another vendor just down the way had a old "Bluegrass" drawknife for $10.
If I could get more data on what type of joint, and how it works/flows, and someone could provide some experience of pro's and con's, I'll keep reading and listening.
Thanks again, Gents,
Bill
I think it feels "rough" when it flows. Lead is more like "butter".
I'm thinking that for windows you would be happier with lead.
or just use it for it's intended purpose.... fuse links
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!