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I need some help identifying some solder I picked up from my local junktique store this week. I'm guessing it is high tin content due to the shape and how easily it bends. I plan on trying an acid test to verify no zinc. Also a melt test once to check melt temp. Anything else I can do???
im interested in determining if I should pick up the other 10-15 pounds available from the junk guy
There is no zinc in solder....
I probably bends easily cause its lead...tin will harden to some degree zinc even more so.
My guess 50/50....Google tonnes of pics came up.
my guess is body lead.
your guess will be how much tin is in it, bend it and listen for the tin nodules popping.
but I'll bet it's between 10 and 30% tin.
Wikipedia solder, has melt points for different lead/tin ratios. If what you are paying for it is comparable to scrap lead price in your area you are probably getting a good deal. Triangle shape is common so not a good indicator of tin percentage. Rotometals has it in that style of bar from 20% tin to 50% tin . http://www.rotometals.com/Solder-s/25.htm
If there is a scrap yard in your area that will gun it for you that is your best bet to know exactly what you have. But the least amount I have seen listed for solder is 10% tin and 5% (20-1) lead and either one is nice addition to ones stash.
Probably not high Sn content. No Zn as said!!!!!!
You can do a weight test. Use a known accurate size cavity mold (boolit!!!!!!!) pour some pure in and then some of this stuff. The more the Sn the lighter is will be.
I have a bunch of 70/30 and a 1# ingot mold yields about a 12.5oz ingot. There are directions on the net to do a density measurement.
10# or so might be worth getting depending on what your paying. Sn goes for around $10/#. I deal in hundreds of pounds of alloys normally. Just hauled home 280# of Sn!
banger
If you are paying say 75 cents scrap price and purchase 10# then:
10% tin you just bought 1# tin & 9# lead for $7.50
20% tin is 2# tin & 8# lead for $7.50
30% is 3# tin & 7# lead for $7.50
With tin at $10 a lb. as bangerjim points out even at 10% tin it is a decent deal at scrap lead prices. And only gets better if the metal is higher than 10% tin percentage. Heck Rotometals wants over $1 a lb. plus shipping for 5% tin, their 20-1 5# ingots are $16.
if it melts case boolits out it
Looks like standard 50/50 bars.
Did you ask if they had an analisis gun to check it out?