soldering

MartyNeilan · Post by **MartyNeilan** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:55 pm

ditto

josh wagner · Post by **josh wagner** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:20 pm

you could do it yourself if you want it to look bad and possibly mess up your horn

j/m but most def take it to a repairperson

The Big Ben · Post by **The Big Ben** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:41 pm

The hardest part is using the correct heat. You would need a torch but the garden variety hardware torch that would be used for plumbing repairs isn't good enough. The flame isn't very controllable. However, if that is all you have, you might be able to get it to work.

If the horn is a #2 horn that you use for pep band, why not try it? If you are not very good with your hands, maybe you shouldn't. If you want to practice, get some copper plumbing fittings and tubes. It's the same concept but the metals are different. The copper will heat up much faster than brass.

Clean the area with sandpaper so it is bright. Use paste flux and the smallest solder that is used for plumbing. Brush the paste on the two surfaces to be joined and use some medium grade wire to pull the surfaces together. Heat it up with a low flame until the solder flows on the edges and then feather the flame on the metal as you feed the solder in- just enough to keep the solder flowing. Go all around the edges of the surfaces with the solder until it appears that solder is building up outside the joint. Stop with the solder but keep the heat on for a little while to draw the solder in. When it looks like no more solder is being drawn in, use a rag to wipe off any excess and let it cool. When it is cool to the touch, remove the wire and inspect it. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it. Get good enough at it and you can make 'custom trumpets' to sell on DaBay.

If it is a good horn, have it done by a pro.

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:57 pm

I fix just about everything around my house myself. I work on my keyboards, my electric and acoustic guitars (some bordering on collectibility) myself. I have repaired everything musical from cheap plywood ukeleles to working with an organ tech and fish glue rebuilding pneumatics and rewiring relays.

I leave the brass work to my tech.

Rick F · Post by **Rick F** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:27 am

iiipopes wrote: I leave the brass work to my tech.

I agree! Don't try it yourself. I did soldering for years (wires, chips, circuit boards), even leaded glass, but I would never attempt a solder repair on my horn.

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:23 pm

If you're even thinking of trying it:

1. Practice on a wallhanger first.
2. Don't expect it to look ANYTHING like it was done by someone who knew what they were doing.
3. Practice on a wallhanger even when you think you've got it.