ALUMINUM SOLDER

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1931, Page 5

ALUMINUM SOLDER

CHRISTCHURCH ALAN’S CLAIM

HOPES to At A ICE FORTUNE

I o have perfected a solder and flux that is thoroughly successful in repairing aluminium ware, is the claim of a Christchurch plumber, Air G, H. Aston, of 111 Pages Road, Anuuii, who in the course of experiments carried out during the past year litis made and tested 23 different kinds of solder and 11 types of flux.

Since the introduction of aluminium engineers throughout the world have concentrated on perfecting just such n solder and flux, because once articles made of this material become worn through they have had to be pitched on the rubbish heap, as there was no way of repairing them, hi many industries the use of aluminium, commendable for its lightness, has been curtailed for this very reason. An aluminium kettle'-thrown awav

by his wife heiause there was a hole at the spout, first turned Mr Aston’s

attention to the possibility of repairing it by the soldering method. Experiments with ordinary solder proved fruitless, and then came the long but interesting period through which lie mixed solder after solder, each a little nearer to the needed one. Success canife little more than afortnight ago. Having hit upon a solder and flux which “did the job.” Mr Aston subjected it to thorough test. Satisfied with it. he inserted a small advertisement in the “Sun,” and within a few days four kettles and three saucepans were sent along

for repair, each to the satisfaction of its owner.

Mr Ashton showed a “Sun” reporter several articles which he lin'd repaired. 'Flic solder, slightly darker than aluminium, was firmly fixed, and every I joint was thoroughly watertight. Seven strands of aluminium wire, used by the Government, were twisted and firmly fastened in cable form; the spout of a kettle was fastened to the body; two boles in a saucepan were neatly repaired. ‘‘l cannot give you the composition of the solder and flux.” said Mr Aston. for T know there’s a little fortune in it if T can get it protected and on to the market. To patent it throughout the world would cost from £2OO to £3OO and T haven't that amount-. The solder is equally effective with brass, copper, tin. and zinc, and the only difference in the method of so’Nering is that the iron is kept hotter.” Mr A«ton lias been approached bv several firms wishing to put his solder and flux on the market, but lie has no plans at present-.