Letter 13074

Remove tin plate and lead solder from copper vessel? 

I am looking for a way to remove the tin plating and lead solder from the inside of two 37 gallon copper washing machine tubs. I do not want them replated. Either Acid or Electropolishing seems to be the answer as I also need the finished surfaces to be smooth for sanitary reasons.

Thanks,

Thomas Gonta
- Painted Post, NY

What holds the tub together after you've dissolved the solder?

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

I am making furniture out of copper tubing. I need a very neat soldered joint. How can I remove the visible solder from the pipe while leaving the solder in the joint?

Also, is there a copper colored solder I can use to further reduce the visibility of solder on the finished piece?

Thank you for your help.

Richard McKinney
- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

You could use a maskant like is used on printed circuit boards to prevent the solder from bridging the traces.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

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