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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, New York

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

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
(Ted can offer longterm or instant help)
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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, Virginia

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

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
(Ted can offer longterm or instant help)
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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