Lead welding

[mike os]

Oa is the most practical as you need a very localised heat.... takes tile to learn but not hard if you can tig or gas weld

 

[waddycall]

Did loads years ago during my apprenticeship. From what I recall OA is definitely needed if you want a neat sound joint.
The lead has to scraped shiny clean on both sides to a width of around 10mm. You cut a strip of lead to use as filler and scrape that to shiny clean on both sides. Use the flame to get a puddle going and then use the flame to melt a blob of filler into the puddle and repeat. Very easy to blow through and butt joints widen in an instant.
There’s actually a lot to it when it’s done properly. You have to account for expansion and contraction etc. I’d like to do some more but would probably be useless at it now.

 

[roofman]

I sold one on here to a member as I would never use it as I already have 4 oxy acet torches

That was me mate and i still struggle to produce work that myself would be happy to pay for and that's why i sub it out...Having the right tools and a head full of youtube clips does not always make you an expert. Lead burning in the garage is half possible but get out on site 50 ft up hanging off a roof ladder in windy conditions and its another ball game

 

[backpurge]

Used to deal with a big company that did loads of lead work, they used TIG and argon + 5% hydrogen for the shielding gas

 

[Water skier 16]

Used to deal with a big company that did loads of lead work, they used TIG and argon + 5% hydrogen for the shielding gas

Do you have any information about the process like ac/dc electrode positive etc?

 

[backpurge]

As far as I remember it was standard DC TIG, they used thin strips of lead for filler material

 

[pressbrake1]

don't try and tig it,well not with argon it boils and vaporises, and makes you feel rough
Ive learnt this the hard way . Gas for me now

 

[OMV]

Iv been doing all types of lead work for over 30yrs,
OA is the norm but Mapp gas and oxy works great, get one of those porta packs if you fancy teaching yourself..
Care full of the fumes and ware gloves, lead is hate full stuff.
Paul

 

[8ob]

Evening All,
I’m back to pick the brain cells of any one who has done any lead welding on roofing lead for chimneys/ valleys? What kit do you use/ what gases? Any tips on learning how to do it?
Many thanks
James

A friend of mine makes a full time living out of lead welding and bashing, he does nothing else. Lead bashing is something you will definitely need to learn if you are going into this trade, he can draw a lead slate for stack pipe on a pitched roof out of a flat piece of lead with no welding.

Bob

 

[octo0072000]

just have a look at the tube lots on there but O&A seems the norm
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lead+burning+techniques

this looks good on Beverley Minster

 

[pressbrake1]

These were my fathers which he used for lead and copper
I was told back in the day when plumbers were tradesmen they would do lead work on roofs etc

 

[waldershelf]

View attachment 165002 These were my fathers which he used for lead and copper
I was told back in the day when plumbers were tradesmen they would do lead work on roofs etc

That's where plumbers get their name from chemical symbol Pb, the Latin word for lead is Plumbum. I remember when plumbers did as much lead as copper especially in industry.

 

[Water skier 16]

Evening lads,
Update time. I have decided to bite the bullet and get o/ a gear. I am going to get a type 5 torch as well as a small lead burners kit and then I will add a cutting torch as well at some point.
James

 

[Bikerrottie]

As mentioned above, Keep the heat very local, small flame, keep parent metal clean, practice on small sacrificial pieces, correct fume extraction and protection. lead burning is a skill like any other. been a long time since I did any, and to be honest a long time since I have seen it mentioned.

 

[bourbon]

And get a good fire extinguisher! and a spotter where you can't see

 

[lchris21]

Was visiting the big apple in 2015. On top of one of the skyscrapers, Chrysler building I think? My missus was ooohing and arhhing about the view, meanwhile I spotted some fancy leadwork and took a few pics........what view i said to her when we got down

 

[Appyasme1]

What ever happened to the BOC Model "O" Blow pipe.Perfect for lead welding.Any members remember them?

 

[eddie49]

The Type "O" torch is mentioned in this thread:
https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/lead-welding.90625/#post-1327741

 

[Glen Morgan]

What ever happened to the BOC Model "O" Blow pipe.Perfect for lead welding.Any members remember them?

You can still buy them: - https://www.thewelderswarehouse.com/Welding-Supplies/Model-O-Lead-Burning-Torch.html

I have one of these and it's very good. I use it with a Hobbyweld oxygen cylinder and MAPP gas.

 

[roofman]

You can still buy them: - https://www.thewelderswarehouse.com/Welding-Supplies/Model-O-Lead-Burning-Torch.html

I have one of these and it's very good. I use it with a Hobbyweld oxygen cylinder and MAPP gas.

View attachment 189291 View attachment 189294

very nice work