Subject: Whiting - pipe soldering From: "Pieter Smit" <pieter@cadence-engineering.co.za <mailto:pieter@cadence-engineering.co.za>> Date: Sun, 18 Aug 2002 15:31:00 +0200 Does anybody know the correct formula for the whiting (or red oxblood = stuff) that is used when soldering pipes? I am to solder high lead pipes = (where the temperature is higher than for spotted metal). Up to now I have used masking tape very successfully for small jobs, but for larger jobs I guess that I need the right stuff. I guess that it is possible to import some whiting from one of the supply houses, but here in South Africa I would = like to see if I can come right with local chemicals. Pieter Smit

Pieter: I have some whiting powder from Organ Supply Industries but it doesn't include the ingredient list on the package. I would email their technical support person and ask for advice. They are extremely helpful and will = take the time to explain and educate anyone who contacts them. You can view their website and contact them at: www.organsupply.com <http://www.organsupply.com> I hope this information helps. There may be people on this list who know the exact ingredient(s) of whiting. Best Regards, Steven Durham

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Hi Listers--- Whiting is precipitated Calcium Carbonate, nothing more or nothing less. = One could grind up some white chalk and have just about the same thing that would act the same, altho the item of commerce should be available the world over... Are you close to the white cliffs of Dover??? The above information from the Merck Index of chemical compounds. Hope this helps, ---Roc L V Rockafellow New Jersey

Subject: RE: [Residence Organs] Whiting - pipe soldering From: "L.Huivenaar" <louis.huivenaar@wxs.nl <mailto:louis.huivenaar@wxs.nl>> Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 21:06:48 +0200 Hi listers, This is correct. We mix it with Arabic gum ( I hope I write it oke) With a brush we bring it on the pipe, let it dry, and you can use it. This is the best material who can have a high temperature. Greetings folks and Pieter in South Africa Louis Huivenaar

Subject: RE: [Residence Organs] Whiting - pipe soldering From: "Tom Dimock" <tad1@cornell.edu <mailto:tad1@cornell.edu>> Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 15:31:07 -0400 At 02:25 PM 8/19/2002 -0500, you wrote: >Can anyone suggest what type of place arabic gum can be purchased = (hardware >store, drug store, etc.) in the U.S.? <<http://www.skylighter.com/mall/chemicals.asp?Sort=3DG>> Look under "Gum Arabic"

Subject: RE: [Residence Organs] Whiting - pipe soldering From: "L.Huivenaar" <louis.huivenaar@wxs.nl <mailto:louis.huivenaar@wxs.nl>> Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 23:56:57 +0200 You have to know that there two types of Arabic gums, Acidtype and the basetype. Use the basetype. I don't know a supplier in the US or South Africa. If it is really a problem to get it overthere, I can send some. Louis Huivenaar Netherlands

Subject: RE: [Residence Organs] Whiting - pipe soldering From: "ATOS" <atos@stirlingprop.com <mailto:atos@stirlingprop.com>> Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 17:26:24 -0500 Thanks for the info. If you decide to call around to hardware stores like = I did, be sure you tell them you are an organ builder and need it to solder pipes, otherwise you might get a surprise visit from the guys at ATF. A local hardware dealer told me it's on the list of products that is = supposed to send up a red flag if people start trying to buy quantities of it.

Subject: Whiting and soldering From: "Pieter Smit" <pieter@cadence-engineering.co.za <mailto:pieter@cadence-engineering.co.za>> Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 17:17:42 +0200 Dear List, Thank you very much for the information. What is so special about Gum Arabic that it needs reporting to = authorities? Is there a substitute for it that is not such a problem? Greetings, Pieter Smit

Hi All, My wife is a wedding cake designer and baker. She uses gum arabic as a binder and emulsifier in making gum past for flowers, etc. It is also used in the dirnk industry to stabilize flavors and essential oils. I saw that an artist uses it in painting to outline figures so paint does not flow outsied the figures. It has many, many uses. Check Google.com and look up gum arabic for lots of info. Could it be used as a binder in explosives? I have no idea. Later, Mickey -- Mickey E. Sadler Dublin, Ohio

Gum arabic, or gum acacia as it is also known, has an interesting history. It has been used for 3 or 4 thousand years, and is still largely manually harvested. It's used as in inert binder in munitions, lithography, soft drinks, and organ building. Its recent history has been plagued: in the mid 1990's Osama bin Laden owned significant holdings in the production industry, and apparently at one point tried to corner the market. There was public fear that buying a diet soft drink was helping to finance terrorism. The use in munitions manufacturing is, however, the reason the ATF might pay you a friendly visit. I can see it now: "Awright, jack, drop the 16' Bourdon and assume the position!" Interestingly, there are substitutes but none as efficacious, or at least none that I'm aware of. Hope this helps, and that everyone is having a good time with their projects! Best, Dave Doerschuk