Brazing question

[Johnny A]

Hi guys, I just started brazing with flux coated rods. My neighbor is 75 & said he uses bare rod & dips in flux. Is one better than the other? He uses solid copper from electrical 14/3 with flux. Can someone explain the procedure?

Thanks

 

[vettex2]

I've done both
done right, it doesn't matter which

 

[walrus]

Hi guys, I just started brazing with flux coated rods. My neighbor is 75 & said he uses bare rod & dips in flux. Is one better than the other? He uses solid copper from electrical 14/3 with flux. Can someone explain the procedure?

Thanks

Heat the rod a little, dip the warm rod in the flux and it comes out coated. I guess you can use more flux that way but I've used both don't see one as better. Brazo flux is what I have, bet I've had this can for 30 years

Never heard of using copper wire before, thats interesting

 

[matt_i]

He applies the flux with copper rod and brazes with the bare-bronze rod? I first read that he was brazing with the solid copper filler

Somehow the flux coated is easier for me since its 1 stop shopping. I don't use this process often and I'd have to dig the flux out from the cobwebs. That said, I apply 56% silver solder (silver braze?) with a separate flux, but it gets used much much more frequently.

 

[EnduroRdr]

I've done both also and like others get same result.
Yes heat bare rod then dip works well.
I also have not used Copper rod. Normally I use brass rod. I have some pre- coated rods in 56% silver works well on dissimilar metals like copper to brass or bronze valves.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Johnny A]

any recommendations where to get rods & flux online?

 

[c39er]

Keep coated rods dry for for long term storage.
I can't so I like the dip method.

 

[slip knot]

I've been using a blue flux lately. just heat the rod and dip in the flux. the flux is good for a lot of different base metals too. brazing is becoming a lost art. good on you for learning it.


http://kpaulindustrial.com/kpin-345-1.html?gclid=CLSevfTU4dICFQmNaQodj20LFA

 

[Terry D.]

I braze in my business (copper to copper and steel to copper). The coated rods have a shelf life. The flux coating will absorb moisture, crack and fall off over time, even if you keep it enclosed. I suggest only keeping as much as you will use in the next year or so. I use bare rod and dip.

Another problem is that there is too much flux. With copper or brass, there just isn't the problems associated with oxidation that you have with ferrous metals. Lightly coat the parts and the rod.

If you go to your local welding supply, you will find that they are a wealth of information and can advise you as to the proper rod and thickness along with the matching flux. I have my tanks filled at AirGas, nice company and knowledgeable about their products. They are nation wide.

 

[Showkey]

I have always used the flux dip method.........I have one flux can that is 40 years old.
Since MIG has become so common with the DIY garage.... brazing become the step child of welding and lost art.

 

[Johnny A]

Brazing away .. It brings me back to the days of melting Crayons on the hot steam radiators as a kid.......

 

[gungatim]

any recommendations where to get rods & flux online?

not online, but you can get flux at your local wallyworld. just buy a box of 20 mule team Borax. it is used as brazing flux all the time, and probably a lot cheaper.

 

[matt_i]

any recommendations where to get rods & flux online?

Typically I buy the flux and 56% silver from McMaster carr. Other alloys are available as well.

 

[TractorJeff]

My local ACE Hardware carries Brazing supplies!
That being said, I have 2 cans of flux, one is from the early 1900's and is for Cast Iron only, the other is from the late 1940's and is for Steel. No I don't braze much anymore but occasionally a Cylinder Head or Manifold will need to be fixed.

 

[Johnny A]

Has anyone used an old grill w/ welding & brazing ?


To heat up the item?

 

[Milton Shaw]

I have used both methods. The problem with the flux already on the rod is keeping it on the rod. If you are carrying rods in a service truck they will eventually loose most of the flux due to vibration. Sitting the rods on a shelf in a shop would not have this problem but mobile rods really loose flux. Its not as hard a flux as welding rods and so it is more likely to get damaged. Heat and dip rods don't have this problem.

 

[lilredex]

Has anyone used an old grill w/ welding & brazing ?


To heat up the item?

I have used that method shown in the vid. Last project was a "split manifold" (exhaust) for a 1979 Volare I had. Once the cut was made, it was bolted back to back to another manifold and heated up as a unit. There was no need to bevel as the blocking plate was sized to sit a bit below the cut. It was welded with nickle rod.

It could still be out there purring away as they do with a split.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

It all depends an WHAT you're brazing...

Tommy

 

[HoosierBuddy]

I have used that method shown in the vid. Last project was a "split manifold" (exhaust) for a 1979 Volare I had. Once the cut was made, it was bolted back to back to another manifold and heated up as a unit. There was no need to bevel as the blocking plate was sized to sit a bit below the cut. It was welded with nickle rod.

It could still be out there purring away as they do with a split.

Isn't fixing a Volare a crime against humanity? They can lock you up in the Hauge for life for that sort of thing.

Phil

 

[Johnny A]

Ls6 Tommy,

I just heard of such a practice last week. When would it be a good idea?
I''m new to brazing..