38 replies to this topic

[Tampabay racer]

Is there anyone that makes their own acid flux?

I'm tired of buying the Lucky Bob's and ending up spilling it in my pit area. It never fails I do it every time I buy a new bottle. I have been using a old empty oil bottle to place the flux where needed lately, but I'm such a cheapskate and want to try and make my own.

[slotcarone]

I don't think you can make your own flux but there is a way to stop the spilling. I use the Stay-Brite acid that comes in the small squeeze bottle. I took an empty bottle and removed the cap so it is open on top. I taped it to a piece of brass about 1 inch by 3 inches and added just a small amount of acid from the full bottle. I use a plastic craft dabber to apply the acid to the joint. The fuzz on the end of the dabber will disappear but it still works well. The weight of the brass stops it from tipping over.

[MG Brown]

I cannot speak for Lucky Bob's flux, but most of the acid fluxes that I am familiar with are similar to the types used to repair automotive cooling radiators.
 
Unless you are a chemistry major, It would be in your best interest time/money/safety to check with your local radiator shop to ask if they will sell it to you in bulk or buy from companies such as Superior Flux.
 
Radiator Flux for Copper/Brass Components

[Race O' Rama]

I would build a small rack system that would hold your flux, oil, braid juice, and any other fluids you use when your in your pit area. It keeps everything nice and neat and spill free.

[macman]

Twenty years ago I was told by several people that it was possible to use lemon juice in place of flux. Anyone tried this???

[havlicek]

Lemon juice is of course an acid, but not nearly as strong/aggressive as acid flux, which is often highly corrosive and may contain hydrochloric acid.

 

-john

[Mr. M]

I use Stay-Brite with a fine artists brush. I put a drop or drops on the building block and source from there. The original bottle makes dropping drops easy. I never did like any of the other flux manufacturers' products.

[Cheater]

While it is possible to make your own flux, as Jay Guard gave me some he mixed up for his own use, getting your hands on the proper chemicals (primarily very strong acids) is not trival.

I think a better approach is to put your flux in something you won't spill as easily.

[PCH Parts Express]

Maybe pick up a Slick 7 empty oil bottle with pin type top (about 5 to 6 bucks). If you knock it over none will be spilled.

[Dennis David]

This is a crazy idea. You'll either get horrible rashes, chemical burns, or blow yourself up. For the sake of saving a few pennies. Leave the chemicals to the manufacturers and meth labs.

[Ramcatlarry]

Logic... check out the local industrial supply houses that service your regional factories. Welding supply is where flux and brass brazing rod can be found. HCL flux for soldering stainless steel in readily available in quarts. I found flux and solder there in the 1960s to put together aluminum.  Bearing supply house was also my primary source of Loctite back then.

 

If all else fails, there is always McMaster-Carr online.

[Pablo]

A hot needle and Goat Milk will remove most tattoos.

[Danny Zona]

I use the caps from my Pure cans to hold my acid flux, braid juice. and oil. Haven't had one spill since I've been doing that.

[Pablo]

Whoops, my Goat Milk just spilled again...

[slotbaker]

I agree with the other guys about not trying to make your own flux, but if you really want to try it, you could check out these results from a Google search.

 

[Champion 507]

Pablo, you're a hazard to yourself and to your pups. Step away from the soldering iron. Flux fumes are taking a toll on you. 

[Mad Mexican]

Amigos,

Be very very careful, it would be hard to explain to the local authorities on what you are attempting to make. They might think they're busting a meth lab! LOL!

 

Adios, Amigos.

[endbelldrive]

I use an old Stay-Clean plastic bottle with a piece of .063" OD tubing rammed in the end.  It doesn't spill if you knock it over and you squeeze it out by the drop or flood the area if you want to.

[Phil Hackett]

Muriatic acid, or hydrochloric Acid, can be had at Home Depot or pool supply stores. You'd be looking for 20 Baume (it's a measure of concentration) or about 30%. It's cheap and not really all that nasty to deal with.

 

You notice those places I mentioned don't sell sulphuric or nitric acids;those can be very nasty if not careful especially in the higher concentrations.

 

Better yet, go to a welding supply and ask for Stay-Clean. It can be had in 16 ounce bottles.

 

As for meth labs: the authorities are looking for people buying the ephedrine-based cold medicines/concentrate and Lithium batteries. The acetone/acids or other common chemicals used aren't on the LE radar.

[Phil Irvin]

I use the caps from my pure cans to hold my acid flux, braid juice and oil. Haven't had one spill since I've been doing that.

 

I also put a dab of GOOP on the bottom of the bottle of flux to lock it in.

 

                        OLPHRT

                        PHIL I.

[MSwiss]

I think the best setup is to just pour a tiny bit in a tire tube cap.
 
Not only do you only lose a small amount when the cap is flipped over, the main reservoir stays cleaner/doesn't get contaminated because you're not constantly dipping your brush in it.

[zipper]

I think the best setup is to just pour a tiny bit in a tire tube cap.

 
And a modified (by heat) works best - more stable, less evaporation:

[MSwiss]

Great idea.

[John C Martin]

I use the caps from my pure cans to hold my acid flux, braid juice and oil. Haven't had one spill since I've been doing that.

 

DZ, that what I do also, flux bottle fits perfect in the cap...

[Tim Neja]

Stay-Brite!!  I got one bottle five years ago and have yet to go through it.

 

Don't think making your own will solve the "spillage" problem though!!