Brazing/soldering copper to steel or brass

whiteke12

I have been using Mapp/Oxygen for this and brass rod with powder flux. Half the time it looks beautiful, but the other half looks like hell.

With the current setup of Mapp/Oxygen, is there any universal rod with flux that would work with both. Safety Silv 45 is what I was told or 15? Working on refrigeration lines that are 1/4". Or any suggestions?

pecmsg

I use 45% with flux & Turbo

Search this site theirs several videos

hot_rod

JW Harris website is another good source. I've been trying copper to stainless brazing and found the flux coated rod works best.

pecmsg

http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/en/Expert-Advice/videos/inferno-copper-to-steel.aspx

SWEI

http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/~/media/Files/PDF/Requested Resources/GuidetoBrazingandSoldering.pdf

whiteke12

What is the flux coated rod name? Appreciate all the responses.

whiteke12

Is there a universal rod for copper to steel and brass?

hot_rod

Safety-sil 45 is the Harris brand of brass or copper to steel flux coated rod.

Regular brass brazing rod with powder flux works fine also. I have used copper wire, like #12 Romex wire to braze copper and steel

Use a fine tip oxy acetylene torch for good flame and temperature control when brazing. A soldering torch is to wide of a flame and not hot enough for brazing all but the smallest of tube or pieces

cutter

Google your question, there is a lot of information out there. Copper gives off fumes when welding it that is not good for you. I did not see that mentioned though when I googled it. Lots of information on TIG welding copper. There should be some on oxygen/acetylene welding copper.

unclejohn

The joint must be clean clean clean. Then use the thin roll of 45% and use oxy / act. You also need a paste flux. You need around 1400*f for a good joint, it will flow like 50/50 when cleaned and fluxed.

whiteke12

I started practicing again....the cleaner I get, the better it goes...and the right heat. I think I have a better understanding today. Clean, clean, clean like you said is number one, then heat.

Last three went well with rods I have but still might pick up flux coated rods...I do not need an external paste then correct?

pecmsg

With coated rod no but the coating gets damp sometimes so i still use paste

whiteke12

Ok perfect. Thanks for all the help. Think I got straightens out.