What heat source for silver solder?

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I have some Hi-Force 44 solder (94/6) and Comet flux from Brownells.  The solder melts at 475 degrees F.  I want to use it to tin the ends of thin steel cables.  The cable is about 1/16" diameter.What would be the best heat source to do this work?  I did one using a propane torch.  It worked, but it deposited soot on the cable and I felt it was just too much heat.Do they make soldering irons that will go that high?Should I be looking at some kind of small pencil torch?Is there a reference book, website, other resource that would explain this process?Thanks in advance.
Reply:I'm not familiar with either of the products so can't comment specifically about them, but would guess that you've overheated the cable to the point that it oxidized.Most small cable is a higher-carbon steel, so easier to do that to than mild steel would be. If you have a proper flux for the solder, the cable should be wetted by the solder just as it starts to melt so there's no need to overheat the cable; a propane torch should be fine for that application. I do similar things with mine, sometimes using low-temp solder but often using 45% silver solder, and have no problems.BTW, controlling the flame size or using a different part of the flame will allow more control of the temperature and the oxidizing/reducing nature of the flame.Last edited by Oldiron2; 10-09-2010 at 03:31 PM.
Reply:Here is a chart..http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=44169But for low melting points like you are stating silver solder is NOT your answer..Thats more in line with regular 'ol tinning of wires with regular solder and soldering irons go by wattage..Get a 700 watt and go to it.Get the strands really hot and have at it.....zap!Last edited by zapster; 10-09-2010 at 05:05 PM.I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterHere is a chart..http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=44169But for low melting points like you are stating silver solder is NOT your answer..Thats more in line with regular 'ol tinning of wires with regular solder and soldering irons go by wattage..Get a 700 watt and go to it.Get the strands really hot and have at it.....zap!
Reply:A soldering iron as Zap suggest or one of these will do the job. Cheap at $9.99http://www.harborfreight.com/butane-...rch-41169.html
Reply:If you are gettin soot I think there is a problem with the flux not being correct.I have used stay-brite and the accompannting flux with propane with good results.Also works great in your home oven.  You shouldn't have to use the propane for more than 3 secconds for cable that small.   If you are using it on an aircraft you can use dacronthread and polystyrene Q-Dope and whip the ends with the thread and dip in the liquid Q-Dope to prevent fraying.   I don't think soldering is approved for airplanes.For non-aircraft use be carefull what flux you use. Brownells flux is likely for sweatingon sight bases and shotgun ribs ect.   The problem is that those parts may be washedwith hot soapy water to remove all traces of flux after soldering.  The flux is either acidicor resinus.  If it is acidic you will NEVER be able to remove it from inside the core ofthe cable and it will eat through the cable fairly soon.  ( thats why it can't be used for electric wires)   If it is resinus it won't corrode but it also doesn't tin steel very well like theacidic type does.    I am not sure which kind the liquid is that comes with the stay-brite.Maybe check their web site - don't know if that helps any ..........................Tim
Reply:Originally Posted by RancherBillA soldering iron as Zap suggest or one of these will do the job. Cheap at $9.99http://www.harborfreight.com/butane-...rch-41169.html
Reply:Originally Posted by max503That sounds like what I need for what I'm trying to do.  I will be able to thoroughly clean the parts after soldering.
Reply:Do a search? I am sure their is a thread on the right fluxes and even how to make your own, as I remember it is nothing more than tree sap refine down abit.You can buy pencil torches for your needs.
Reply:Originally Posted by max503 I did one using a propane torch.  It worked, but it deposited soot on the cable and I felt it was just too much heat.Thanks in advance.