Can You Solder Aluminum?

[kurth]

I have been using bonsai wire as suggested by you kind folks to fabricate an exhaust system. . I have managed to make an ehaust system in 3 pieces, and CA works .. but the parts have come apart a few times while I have been working with them. I figured if I soldered it together it might hold together better.

I have soldering irons and solder and have soldered wires in the past but I don't think I've tried to solder aluminum before.

Thanks!

K

[Andy Wyatt]

Yes you can solder aluminum. Be sure to use a good flux paste and file or sand the area to be soldered before you try...sometimes aluminum is coated and the solder won't stick to it.

[Ron L]

For connecting bonsai wire as exhaust pipes I use heat shrink tubing, then paint it to look like clamps. There is also aluminum tubing e.g. K&S that fits perfectly around 2.5mm bonsai wire. I don't know the size off hand - sorry. Afterwards you add thin wire around it if you want the Autozone clamp look. It's best if you could reduce the total number of parts, though.