J
John Popelish
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
Joe said:I am trying to solder copper wire (tinned) to nichrome ribbon (more like
wire, but wider), which I took from an old toaster. The nichrome ribbon
doesn't seem to like the solder. Is there a trick to this? Or should I be
doing something to the nichrome before I try to solder it? On the toaster I
dismantled, I noticed it was soldered to some thick copper conductors, so I
didn't think it would be a problem. I even crimped the ends of both, hooked
them together, and soldered them. After a time I picked up the connection
and it fell apart. Any advice or help is appreciated.
Nichrome used for heating is usually welded, not soldered,
because the operating temperature is usually above solder
melting point. However, if the solder joint is well heat
sunk by the copper side of the joint, you might be able to
use a high melting temperature solder.
Once the nichrome has been red hot for some time, it forms a
very tough oxide coating that makes either welding or
soldering very difficult unless the oxide is removed.
I would try cleaning one surface with very fine silicon
carbide sand paper (600 grit or finer) and silver solder
with silver solder flux. This will require the heat of a
butane or propane torch. If you don't require the
temperature capability of silver solder, you can tin the
nichrome with it, and then use low temperature tin lead
solder to attach that surface to copper.