Scruffmeister Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 Hi Chaps, I'm following the guide in July 2010 edition of RCM&E on undercarriage soldering whilst making the unit for my Evolution Models Fusion Micro. I just wanted to confirm what gauge of copper wire for binding is best for this - Squires stock 0.6mm on 1mm? Also, does the wire need to be pre-tinned (as suggested in the instructions) or can I get away with normal copper wire as this seems to be a lot cheaper? Cheers! Edited By Scruffmeister on 07/08/2011 11:14:39 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 Hi Scruffy 1mm sounds a bit heavy gauge for this application to me, it will be interesting though to see what anyone else thinks. Plain copper wire should be fine, as long as it's nice and clean. If you find that the solder refuses to spread out and cling to it, then take it off again and give it a good rubbing up and down inside a folded piece of fine emery paper, wet n dry or even wire wool. Then try again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cotsford Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 I don't know how thick it is but I use a piece stripped from domestic cooker cable (45A?), I guess it has about 0.5mm strands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 I use 15amp fuse wire! Solders beautifully! BEB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclicscooby Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I just use multi-strand wire.. Strip the insulation off, take out 3-5 strands and twist them together using a vice and the dremel... Don't bother paying more for pre-tinned, after all, you're going to solder it, so just tin it first.. Luv Chrisie.. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Dav 2 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I've used this method of building undercarriages for years. I tin the piano wire used for the legs, tack these in place, then wind the cleaned binding wire around the joint area. Use a touch of flux on the joint if not using multi-cored solder and complete the joint with solder. As long as your iron of reasonable wattage this is an easy job. The ridges and 'valleys' between the binding wire can be smoothed over with a bit of body filler and the whole u/c painted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Hi Guys, I use fusewire, never have any problems. The key is that everything must be very very clean. Use a 1" wide roll of emery paper to polish the piano wire, and keep acidy fingers off it ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scruffmeister Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 Thanks all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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