Brazing gear

[keithski122]

Hi all.First post on this forum.
I need to fix some wire mesh to a frame of 1/8 inch thick by 1/2 inch steel.The mig blows the mesh away surprisingly.I guess I need to braze or silver solder it.Am I best to use mapp gas and suitable blow torch for heating the frame or is this a worthwhile investment:-
http://www.proopsbrothers.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Brazing___SilverSoldering_28.html
I like the look of this :-
http://www.transtools.co.uk/store/prod_6991/plumbing-tools/gas-torches/rothenberger-roxy-120l-portable-brazing-and-welding-torch-kit.html
but its twice the price.
Are there any other options?

 

[Paul.]

I assume its weldmesh your using, if so the mig is the best tool, its the technique you need to master, point the wire at the frame alongside the mesh and let the edge of the pool just touch the wire, a short burst is all you need,
Brazing with mapp gas on that will be very difficult and likely cause a lot of distortion.
Welcome to the forum btw

 

[keithski122]

I've tried that but if the power is low the mig won't heat the frame up enough, but if the setting is right the mesh just blows away.
Would distortion be a problem on 1/8 ich thick steel?

 

[keithski122]

heres a photo of the item:-

[/IMG]
Rear engine cover on a vw baja bug!

 

[shenion]

I have a similar brazing set but it is MAPP/Oxy. Expensive to use a sthe O2 lasts about 10 minutes.

With 0.6mm wire, you should be able to weld the mesh unless it is very thin.

What size mesh? I have done 1/10" expanded steel mesh to 3/16" frame using 0.8mm wire. As TIG Paul says, it takes practice learning the technique. By the time I was done (200 sport welds on mesh) I had cranked up the power and was doing much better. I just did some more using arc rods and that took even more careful control but was doable.

You can also use a backing piece of copper to help prevent burnback. I have been meaning to take some copper pipe and flatten it to use.

Edit: You are trying to weld the mesh to itself?

 

[Paul.]

mapp gas flames cant be concentrated like an oxy acetylene flame, so although the flame temperature is much lower than an arc, you'll put more overall heat into the job, I have made hundreds of guards from angle, flats and weldmesh over the years all either migged, or arc welded, it really is down to technique

 

[jugs]

Do I spy paint & rust , get it realy clean, use 0.6, practice on some scrap, & make sure the earth is on clean metal. (so uoy keep the amps low)

Should be a dodle

Sorry Welcome

 

[wyn]

When making guards with weld mesh I usually try and weld where the wires in the mesh intersect, which gives a tiny bit more to weld to.

As TigPaul says it's the technique of welding to the frame and catching the mesh with the edge of the weld that really helps.