Dale B. Phelps wrote:
>
> Many years ago I gained the impression that very
> close-tolerance lugwork used "silver soldering" [snip]
> Is brazing a term
> applied to brass as well as "silver solder", or is the
> silver-soldering technique as I've described it different
> from what is (or may be) predominant practice today?
Bike industry people have long used the term silver soldering to describe what is known in the world of engineering and metallurgy as silver brazing. As specialized bike jargon it is acceptable, but it's good to be aware that it really is brazing.
There are some true solders that contain silver, sometimes called "soft silver", but these aren't strong enough for the main joints of bike frames. All bike frames described as soldered were really brazed.
Mark Bulgier
Seattle, Wa
USA