I was about to refill my flux bottle from my pint container
(newly purchased) of Batterns Self-Pickling Flux when I
discovered that the liquid in the pint container no longer had
that characteristic green color to it and had turned clear. I
figured that having the container exposed to the sun may caused
the flux to change color. Now I am wondering if the flux is
still useful. Does anyone know what has happened here. Thanks
Steve
Steve Wiser
PO Box 938
Santa Margarita, CA 93453
PH: (805) 438-5232
FAX: (805) 438-3462 @mkreimes
flux no longer had that characteristic green color to it and
had turned clear.
I asked Griffith the same question about their flux and was told
that it dose not effect the working quality of it ( sun light
will turn it clear ), not to worry Jim Blumer
I was about to refill my flux bottle from my pint container
(newly purchased) of Batterns Self-Pickling Flux when I
discovered that the liquid in the pint container no longer had
that characteristic green color to it and had turned clear. I
figured that having the container exposed to the sun may
caused the flux to change color. Now I am wondering if the
flux is still useful. Does anyone know what has happened here.
H m m m, interesting, I’ve never seen CLEAR Batterns. I use
that all the time . … what has happened is that it chrystalized.
(What do I do with the chrystals???) I usually throw that part
out.
to DeDe just what is the best flux to use to day? we use the
green and i have used it for 25yr. and it has worked for me ok.
did the orchid list see the new copy of the JCK this list made a
hit as good web page. way to go !!! have a good day
I have battern's flux in a clear plastic bottle with and the
fluorescent dye has faded it it, but the flux works fine.
I’ve had battern’s flux at my bench that didn’t seem to protect
gold from oxidation too well. When filling my small bench
container from the large bottle on the shelf I noticed crystals
growing at the bottom of the bottle. These were borax I guess. It
worked fine again after redisolving the crystals.
Personally I’ve never liked that neon green color, but there’s
no mistaking it for anything else.
Have the same bottle of Batterns for about 2 years(2 to go!!).
Stored in a drawer, stays the same color.
Use a Hypodermic Needle(From your local MD or Dentis after a
shot)to apply the flux. This way it doesn’t run all over the
piece… And I sure don’t use much flux!
I've had battern's flux at my bench that didn't seem to
protect gold from oxidation too well.
I never did like that Batterns flux too much! I now exclusively
use that thick white “handy flux” which seems to work really
well if you heat it up slowly enough so the solder doesn’t go
popping off everywhere.
DeDe have you ever used the magic green flux? it is a borx and
flux all in one and if you have did you like it?? we got a free
one from our tool house and we did not like it so we went back to
alcohol borx power . and the green flux we all so use a hot
pickel has some one had good luck with cold pickel ?? well i got
to go cast see you in e- mail soon
I never did like that Batterns flux too much! I now exclusively
use that thick white "handy flux" which seems to work really
well if you heat it up slowly enough so the solder doesn't go
popping off everywhere.
When I made the comment you quoted I also said that the borax
was concentrating in crystals in the bottom of the bottle,
reducing the effectivness of the flux I was drawing off the top.
Batterns is still my choice for the bulk of my work. Now and then
I’ll use a tan, grainy, water based paste flux a friend once gave
me a bit of. I think it’s made for brazing stainless steel, I’m
not sure. Works well when I’ve got some white gold giving me a
problem.
Use a Hypodermic Needle(From your local MD or Dentis after a
shot)to apply the flux. This way it doesn't run all over the
piece.. And I sure don't use much flux!
Gesswein sells a nice little bottle with a needle-like dispenser
on top. I use it alot and like it (cheap). Mark P.
I was about to refill my flux bottle from my pint container
(newly purchased) of Batterns Self-Pickling Flux when I
discovered that the liquid in the pint container no longer had
that characteristic green color to it and had turned clear. I
figured that having the container exposed to the sun may caused
the flux to change color. Now I am wondering if the flux is
still useful. Does anyone know what has happened here. Thanks
Steve
Steve Wiser
PO Box 938
Santa Margarita, CA 93453
PH: (805) 438-5232
FAX: (805) 438-3462 @mkreimes
DeDe have you ever used the magic green flux? it is a borx and
flux all in one and if you have did you like it?? we got a free
one from our tool house and we did not like it so we went back to
alcohol borx power . and the green flux we all so use a hot
pickel has some one had good luck with cold pickel ?? well i got
to go cast see you in e- mail soon
Dear Jack:
The magin green flux is actually my teacher’s favorite and I
only use it when I am soldering a project at school instead of at
home. I have not really noticed an improvement using the green
flux- In regard to the pickel - I always have the pickle “hot”.
Cold pickel never ever works for me!!!
DeDe have you had silver rings to size with a plating that
bubbles up when you solder and how can jewelers deal with this at
one time silver was just silver now it has plating on it and
makes it hard for the jeweler to do his work and keep the
customer happy well i need to get off my soap box!!! this is to
all the list thank jack
DeDe have you had silver rings to size with a plating that
bubbles up when you solder and how can jewelers deal with this
at one time silver was just silver now it has plating on it and
makes it hard for the jeweler to do his work and keep the
customer happy well i need to get off my soap box!!!! this is
to all the list thank jack
This plating is usually rhodium. It is put on the silver to keep
it from tarnishing. Rhodium plating is used by alot of charm
companies and other cheesy jewelry manufacturers who market to
uneducated customers who think that “real” precious metals won’t
tarnish. It is a ridiculous process (if you ask me) and…wow
Jack, it’s kinda crowded with both of us up here on the soap box,
I’d better get down…
DeDe have you had silver rings to size with a plating that
bubbles up when you solder and how can jewelers deal with this
at one time silver was just silver now it has plating on it and
makes it hard for the jeweler to do his work and keep the
customer happy well i need to get off my soap box!!!! this is
to all the list thank jack
hi jack, yep, in my case it was a very thick plating of god knows
what. perhaps chrome? sometimes manufacturers plate rhodium on
top of nickel. i polished everything smooth and replated. what a
mess. best regards