Soldering Kato Unitrack rail joiners

[Tjack757]

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]

Think the Pace was the deciding factor there. Most Irons people keep around don't get anywhere near that tip temperature.

[peteski]

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.

[Tjack757]

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]

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]

@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

[peteski]

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.

[Tjack757]

There is also this, which came from Midwest Model Railroad in the N scale Mystery Box.

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[GGNInNScale]

I use mostly Atlas flex track, and cut to fit.  I solder almost all joints, with a few loose for temperature swings.  I use Kester 86 no-clean water soluble flux and 60-40 Pb-Sn solder (fine stuff).  I use a Yihua temperature controlled fine-tip soldering system, set to about 275C or ~500F.  This will join almost everything on my layout.  IF you use the flux, you should be able to make a clean joint in under 2 seconds, so the roadbed will not be affected.  If you wish, you can rinse with IPA or Methanol, or water.  Just blow the liquid off when done.