How do I open a can?

[lcsaszar]

I would like to open this OCXO without damaging it. It is a metal can soldered around its edge. The size is about 2" x 2". Any recommendations welcome.

 

[infinia]

Just a guess... put the whole thing on a hot plate and take a small brazing torch to the business end with a small pry bar lift up on the cover. Careful knowing there's wires attached.

 

[MJL21193]

Use a Dremel with an abrasive cutting blade to cut through most of the solder. Pry it open.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

 

[wakibaki]

+1 for the Dremel.

I have diamond disks which in this case I'd use in preference to the stone disks which cast off a lot of grit.

w

 

[djQUAN]

+1 for the Dremel.

I have diamond disks which in this case I'd use in preference to the stone disks which cast off a lot of grit.

w

you forgot to mention it sends off shrapnel everywhere when it gets caught and shatters.

 

[lcsaszar]

Thanks for the tips. I am afraid the case and the internal part are tight fit, not giving place for the thickness of the Dremel blade. I probably try with a gas torch.

And what about the rounded corners?

 

[wotsupnow]

Have you tried desoldering braid ?

 

[Pit Hinder]

Maaan, you must be as fossilized as any dinosaur! Heat and braid, no superputer mega$ gizmo...I´d offer a handshake, but I´m afraid to spill my wine.

 

[lcsaszar]

Heat... well, this is the problem. The big mass of the enclosure conducts away the heat from the tip of my soldering iron. Perhaps a gas torch would do, but I am afraid that I damage the internals...

 

[MJL21193]

What are you trying to save? The guts or the case? Sacrifice the case like we said above - cut it and pry it open.

 

[Netlist]

A real hot iron doesn't heat up the case internals as much as a not-so-hot iron because you can work faster.
That and a lot of flux + braid is how I would do it.
Actually, that's how I did it quite a lot of times in the past.

 

[FairfaxStu]

Heat... well, this is the problem. The big mass of the enclosure conducts away the heat from the tip of my soldering iron. Perhaps a gas torch would do, but I am afraid that I damage the internals...

Back in the day, I worked for a company that manufactured crystal oscillators like the one you have. To seal the cans, we used a very large soldering iron (I believe they were 250 watt Wellers). It was the largest pencil type iron I have seen to date. To open it, we used a saw (dremel tool with abrasive disk will work) around about 3/8-1/2 inch above the bottom of the can to saw the top part off. The remaining part of the top can can then be removed by alternating heat with the iron and movement of the remaining piece(s).

 

[infinia]

Heat... well, this is the problem. The big mass of the enclosure conducts away the heat from the tip of my soldering iron. Perhaps a gas torch would do, but I am afraid that I damage the internals...

This is why you need to use a hot plate, and work quickly!~ a really large soldering iron will be ok, but a small torch will allow more heat exactly where you need it. The worst thing is not using enough heat ie taking too long to work it.