Soldering flux

When I solder a washer on a music wire I used to have problems getting the two to stick together. Sanding and use of a paste flux seemed to do the job but it was a hassel. Seemed the solder didn't want to stick to both. Some time back I found that the use of alumel soldering flux made the job much easier. The flux only requires a little bit to properly clean the surfaces - useally a drop for each joint of wire to washer. The solder flows well with the heat of a weller gun. I get a nice shiny joint ( usually the way to tell it is a good joint ). There
are only two problem with useing it 1) the corrosiveness of the flux - it has to be cleaned with alcohol afterward. 2 ) Where can it be obtained?

Just a comment--no answers! What materialm are your washers made of? I try to use either brass or plated steel (not Stainless!), and have no problem using normal soldering techniques--basically rosin-core lead-tin, or Sta-Brite with its corrosive flux which I neutralize with water and baking soda.

The washers part of the joint were no problem. They are brass or plated steel that I have either removed the coating or left it on. The solder flowed nicely on them. The wire which I sanded and washed in alcohol was the problem. The solder SEEMED to stick but the tell tale edges showed the solder didn't flow into a smooth fillet. There wasn't good wicking of the solder to the wire. I could get it to work but it seemd like it took a lot of time to get the heat high enough to do the job correcty. The alumel flux does a super job of cleaning the parts so the solder flows well. My solder joints look almost like a chrome finish with smooth transitions to the wire and washer. I have enough to last a good while as only a drop is necessary but where can I get more when the time comes? My old source has dried up.

Bill,
I typically take some acetone and steel wool to the music wire, just to get off the surface crud. The only time I had problems with soldering was when I had some stainless steel washers (which was why I mentioned that). Otherwise I don't recall anything special--except to make sure that I get the wire good and hot with my soldering iron, so that the solder flows onto the wire.

Your old source wouldn't be near Cherry Point would it? Maybe an old worker friend can get some.

I like a little more positive lock than just a washer. I use copper or brass tubing and a washer. For example, on 1/8" wire, I hold the wheels on with a washer and the size of brass tubing that just fits over the music wire. I cut a short, 1/8" long piece of the tubing, slip the washer on, and then solder the tubing on the wire. Of course I sand and usually flux before soldering. I have never lost a wheel using this technique. It is also very neat looking.
Bill