Re: Rolled PE Caps

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: Rolled PE Caps
From: Teslaman-at-aol-dot-com (by way of Terry Fritz <twf-at-verinet-dot-com>)
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 1999 07:42:30 -0600
Approved: twf-at-verinet-dot-com

In a message dated 4/14/99 4:16:19 AM Central Daylight Time, tesla-at-pupman-dot-com 
writes:

>  how do you make a connection when the foil
>  > comes out on the ends?
>  > thanks much
>  > kevin wahila

 Hey all

  I think I posted some time ago on soldering to alum. foil.  It can be done 
with standard lead/tin rosin core solder.  Really!   

  I use a 140 watt soldering gun and run the tip over the alum. rather 
heavily while applying solder.  After a nice puddle of solder has adhered to 
the foil, the wire readily resolders to it.  This works best with H.D. alum. 
foil, but with care also works on the plain alum. foil.

  This is an electrical and mechanically (within reason) sound joint.  It 
does not ball up like a cold joint, but flattens out and adheres to foil.  I 
have several home made rolled polyester caps made years ago that have 
soldered wires running between the multiple sections.  This is on single foil 
roll  caps, if they are multilayered, then one would have a difficult time 
soldering all the end foil together.

  I have also soldered alum. roof flashing the same way.  A 240 watt gun 
works better, and the surface should be sanded lightly first.  It takes a 
little more force on the gun tip while heating it to make it work better.  
Try it, it does work!   

Kevin E.