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Unread 01-09-2019, 05:59 PM   #7
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edgarspencer
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The melting temperatures of tin is about 450 degrees, and lead is well over 600 degrees F, but when alloyed together, 50/50 Sn/Pb, the melting temperature drops to about 375-380 degrees F.
Hot bluing, if properly controlled, shouldn't be much over 300 degrees F, so, it's pretty unlikely that the solder will be softened, as the steel won't get any hotter than the bluing solution. The problem arises when, not paying attention to the tanks, the temps get higher. The bluing salts will only rise to a certain point, but like water won't go over 212 degrees at sea level, bluing salts won't go over about 330-340 degrees.
The bigger concern, as Brian points out, are residuals, trapped beneath the ribs, causing rust. Rust then creeps beneath the surface of the solder, and pretty soon you have a barrel kit.
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