Author Topic: Soldering Kato Unitrack rail joiners  (Read 328 times)

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Tjack757

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Soldering Kato Unitrack rail joiners
« on: September 18, 2023, 07:31:53 PM »
+1
I saw a few posts saying people should avoid solder Kato Unitrack rail joiners as this could cause damage.
I decided to give it a try as I have a wee bit of soldering experience.

I used the following items;
Pace ST-25 soldering station
PS90 hand-piece
A 3/32 chisel tip
.036" 63/37 RMA eutectic solder

My tip temperature was set to 700 degrees F
I did not use additional liquid flux which would of yield even better wetting of the solder-able surfaces.
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dem34

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Re: Soldering Kato Unitrack rail joiners
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2023, 09:04:41 PM »
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Think the Pace was the deciding factor there. Most Irons people keep around don't get anywhere near that tip temperature.
-Al

peteski

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Re: Soldering Kato Unitrack rail joiners
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2023, 12:23:52 PM »
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Actually most of non-temperature-controlled (read inexpensive) soldering irons likely run much hotter than 700 degrees. Probably 800-900 range.  That is why they instantly melt plastic ties.

Your solder has a flux core in it, so you can get away with not adding flux, but I like to add flux anyway.
« Last Edit: September 19, 2023, 01:52:45 PM by peteski »
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Tjack757

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Re: Soldering Kato Unitrack rail joiners
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2023, 01:32:06 PM »
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Your solder has a flux core in it, so you can get away with not adding flux, but I like to add flux anyway.

I normal use flux, but it was a hold my beer and watch this moment......
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Lemosteam

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Re: Soldering Kato Unitrack rail joiners
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2023, 06:32:17 AM »
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I normal use flux, but it was a hold my beer and watch this moment......
(Attachment Link)

@Tjack757 , May I ask where you found that applicator bottle?

Tjack757

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Re: Soldering Kato Unitrack rail joiners
« Reply #5 on: September 20, 2023, 03:15:25 PM »
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@Tjack757 , May I ask where you found that applicator bottle?

Made by  R & R LOTION 2OZ. FLUX ESD DISPENSER, 20 GA. FD-2-ESD


https://www.ebay.com/itm/R-R-LOTION-2OZ-FLUX-ESD-DISPENSER-20-GA-FD-2-ESD-NEW-/303116971314?_ul=IN

I did not get it from this site on Ebay ... shipping is crazy
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peteski

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Re: Soldering Kato Unitrack rail joiners
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2023, 04:16:44 PM »
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I picked up something similar from https://sciplus.com/bottle-pls-needle-tip-dispenser-20ml-3pk/ but Tjack's looks to be better quality.

Internet search for "hypodermic applicator bottle" or for "needle tip applicator bottle" should give you some alternatives.
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Tjack757

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Re: Soldering Kato Unitrack rail joiners
« Reply #7 on: September 20, 2023, 08:14:57 PM »
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There is also this, which came from Midwest Model Railroad in the N scale Mystery Box.

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