small brass hobby welding oxy acetylene

[undrdog]

I'm trying to braze small brass sculptures using 3/32" brass rods for the main structure. I want to also use brass as the brazing material, so I don't have a silver-on-brass look at each joint from silver based solder.

I found some 1/32" brass wire at a hobby store, and thought that might work, but it turns out that the melting point is like 1700F and my 3/32" brass rods from the welding supply store melt at like 800F - 900 F.

I tried using 1/16" rod, but of course that is too close to the 3/32" rod to melt one but not the other.

It is even possible to do what I'm trying? Any suggestions / tips would be appreciated. I'm using the Smith Little Torch, which has several small tip sizes. I've played around with all of them.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I'm trying to braze small brass sculptures using 3/32" brass rods for the main structure. I want to also use brass as the brazing material, so I don't have a silver-on-brass look at each joint from silver based solder.

I found some 1/32" brass wire at a hobby store, and thought that might work, but it turns out that the melting point is like 1700F and my 3/32" brass rods from the welding supply store melt at like 800F - 900 F.

I tried using 1/16" rod, but of course that is too close to the 3/32" rod to melt one but not the other.

It is even possible to do what I'm trying? Any suggestions / tips would be appreciated. I'm using the Smith Little Torch, which has several small tip sizes. I've played around with all of them.

What about solder? You can buy brass coloured solder which would keep your heat input to a minimum.

 

[dan.taylor.1]

You need brazing rods, like silicon bronze, as if you use brass rod it will melt at the same temp as the work piece so you'll end up with a puddle of brass where your item was. Most welding suppliers sell them (don't buy off ebay as its expensive, welding suppliers sell by the rod).

If not I've got a tube full in the workshop I could send you some for beer tokens if you like?

Dan

 

[piman]

Hello Undrdog,

if you can't use the solder as suggested, you really need to find the material for your sculpture that is as high or a higher melting point than your brazing rods. (you are not really brazing but welding in this application). You will need to be quite dexterous and chose your tip carefully.

Alec

 

[mike 109444]

Would spot welding work for this? Maybe one of the home made type as shown on youtube for doing rechargeable battery lugs. you could then make some small arms and tips to get in the gaps.

 

[octo0072000]

You need brazing rods, like silicon bronze, as if you use brass rod it will melt at the same temp as the work piece so you'll end up with a puddle of brass where your item was. Most welding suppliers sell them (don't buy off ebay as its expensive, welding suppliers sell by the rod).

If not I've got a tube full in the workshop I could send you some for beer tokens if you like?

Dan

Dan be a lot of beer tokens he is in Texas USA

 

[undrdog]

Thanks, everyone. No beer tokens here, sorry.

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Haha, probably should have checked location. Oh well, I have relatives in the US who have bought brazing rods before as I had a conversation about it with him not too long since.

Dan