Brazing steel rods 1

[LPPE]

I want to try my hand at brazing steel rods together (typical lap joints, such as T's and X's). I have an acetylene torch. What should I use as a brazing rod and flux? Any helpful hints or techniques? Thanks

 

[bilge]

The most common filer metal used is the Cu-Ag eutectic. The AWS designation is BAg. The flues used are either fluorate or borate solutions.

Make sure the steel parts are nicely cleaned so that the filler metal will flow well into the gap

 

[tomwalz]

http://www.carbideprocessors.com

has a lot of information on brazing. We like a 49% braze alloy with Mangaense and Engelhard Black Flux which is pretty much what bilge said above.

Keep it clean is very important. A simple way is Easy Off oven cleaner. Use lots of flux.

Tom

 

[tomwalz]

P.S.

We have some scrap braze alloy as a wire. We run it through machines to cut it to length and don't have much use for odd or bent pieces. The price we get for it as scrap isn't all that exciting. Give me a call and I will send you some. It is pretty much 0.47" diameter. This stuff sells for $5 - $9 a troy ounce if you can find it so it might be worth getting it free.

Tom
800 346-8274

 

[LPPE]

Thanks for the braze alloy wire, Tom. I'll let you know how I made out. Thanks again.

 

[LPPE]

I've successfully brazed the joints together correctly, and they are quite strong. I want to apply a finish paint, but there is hardened flux on and around the joint. Whats the best way to remove that? I've tried solvents (acetone) and that doesnt work. I used a grinding stone (Dremel moto-tool), and that worked, but didnt really leave a clean, smooth joint. Would a wire brush or similar work for that? Or a magic solvent (MEK)?

 

[GRoberts]

A wire brush on your dremmel tool should work great.

 

[TheBlacksmith]

I've always used a wire brush and some patience. Some say a little water helps soften the flux deposits and aids removal. I say patience, because braze is really a hard solder, not a weld and real aggressive tools will damage it.

Blacksmith

 

[tomwalz]

The flux absorbs oxygen. When it gets fully used up it gets very hard. Warm water and a wire brush work well.

Glad it worked out for you.

Tom