1 (edited by ProfessorFate November 7, 2026 7:16 am)

Topic: Tools for Brass hardbody chassis build

These are the tools you will need to scratch build a brass chassis.

1- A good flat surface hot plate (NOT a coil plate) a coil hot plate is a really BAD idea...
2-A flat ¼" thick steel plate 9" x 5" shown is what I use to be placed on top of the hot plate to disperse the heat evenly. 
Picture #2 left to right 1–80-watt Weller solder iron, with a Weller Screwdriver tip #CT6C8 found on Amazon, a high-speed motor tool Dremel, a solder station with solder and cup with sponge, a good metal - steel or Aluminum jig ONLY to place on the hot plate -DO NOT use plastic, Corin, Phenolic or hi-temp insulated material they will all MELT. Choose wisely... A Sharpie marker, a sharp X-acto knife, a roll of emery sanding cloth it lasts longer and is easier to use than sandpaper Harbor Fright, No-clean solder Flux if you can find some, a good set of tweezers, (DO NOT use tweezers or pliers when soldering). Chop Stix and cooking skewers heat resistant Bamboo cut to size from Panda express, one or two square magnets a block of brass, steel or stainless steel, a good 6-inch ruler with millimeter or 1/64" spacing and a wood block to sand on. The steel plate positioned on the hot plate. If you use what I use the temperature setting is set at one, (if not you will have to find your own temperature setting, if you get it too hot the solder will not cool properly and possibly melt the solder joins you have already soldered, you are on your own on this one) if you use something different and it works for you keep using it. These are the tools I use that work for me. You never have enough tools, and you will find/want more as time goes on.
Here at Dust Devil Slot Cars, we sell everything needed to build anything I have posted in all the posts on this forum past or in the future. (Material, parts & tools). I do not know how to do a You Tube video.
If you have any questions or need more pictures, let me know. I cannot teach you how to solder over the phone. I will teach anyone who comes out to the shop how to do any of the steps written or pictured.  Jim
https://i.postimg.cc/QdfxsV7B/DSC06193.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/4yYpvrTf/DSC06196.jpg

Re: Tools for Brass hardbody chassis build

is there a specific solder that you recommend?

3 (edited by ProfessorFate November 6, 2026 9:39 pm)

Re: Tools for Brass hardbody chassis build

I use only Kester solder. It is available on Amazon or I sell it here. The solder is NOT cheap. Only buy what is shown on the label. There are many different solders sold by Kester. Be sure you buy this one and not some off brand that is cheaper. Notice the diameter of the solder it is .031" . Also a picture of the ruler I use not pictured in tools. I forgot a picture of a 90-degree angle to help square up the motor bracket. I found this at Hobby Lobby a few years ago.  Jim
https://i.postimg.cc/QdDLQG3H/DSC06198.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/SxdhRqKV/DSC06201.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/nVRJcT85/DSC06228.jpg