Thermette meltdown

I was cooking some veggies over my Thermette.  Since I wasn't making anything that needed hot water, I left the Thermette empty.  After a few minutes I heard a weird sound...the handle fell off.  After a second or two of headscratching I realized the solder had over heated from the lack of water.  I kicked it off of the fire (no handle left) to cool.  As it hit the ground the spout fell off.  I was BUMMED!  I love my Thermette and it was falling apart in front of me!!!!

Once it cooled I filled it with water to discover no leaks...wheeEEEeeew!  It still worked but poured crappy and required a wet towel to pick up...doh!

Once home I set the spout back in place and began warming it with a MAP torch.  The solder wicked and it fell into place.   I added more solder.  The handle also went right back on.  Thank you lord...the tower of power is reborn.

The lesson...NEVER USE A THERMETTE WITHOUT WATER IN IT.

I think I need one of these. Where?

Just ordered one. I will try to remember Sean that no water= meltdown.Cant wait to use it for cooking and boiling at the same time. Very interesting history too.

   great story!  Glad it went back together.

I know this is a given but please tell me you used silver solder.

I just used regular old solder.  I really didn't add much to the spout (just a speck) as it still had a lot on it.  I added a lot to the handle but its all external.  Whats the issue...solder poisoning?

Just ordered one. I will try to remember Sean that no water= meltdown.Cant wait to use it for cooking and boiling at the same time. Very interesting history too.

You're gonna love it.  It works awesome and its super OLD SKOOL.

It'll look 50 years old after your first trip.  I love mine.

Glad to hear yours went back together, Sean... (I knew it would).

Normal solder (60/40...etc) is lead/tin combo.

-Brian G

I know this is a given but please tell me you used silver solder.

If the solder is on the outside, so what?

Yea i don't worry much about lead like that. I mean growing up how many split shot did I bite shut     Might explain why I am little slower on the uptake.

-Brian G

 You are coming to Horseshoe in Sept right Brian? I hope my new thermette is here by then so i can show it off.

I just used regular old solder.  I really didn't add much to the spout (just a speck) as it still had a lot on it.  I added a lot to the handle but its all external.  Whats the issue...solder poisoning?

on the outside no big deal although the silver has a higher heat capacity and it might take more abuse

I mean growing up how many split shot did I bite shut

X2! and now I'm making jig heads and drift anchors...I'm toast!!!

the silver has a higher heat capacity and it might take more abuse

I'm hopeful that curbing my stupidity will fix the durability issue.