Don,
I tried out there aluminum brazing rods and flux. Now I'm pretty good when it comes to soldering, soft and silver, plus MIG welding and a bit of gas welding (oxy/acty), but I couldn't get this stuff to work good for me.
Perhaps more practice. I don't know.
Bernd
First here is the correct terminology
Soldering* is a process under a temperature of 840'F (450'C) (soft solder)
Silver soldering,silfoss and hard soldering are not soldering but non preferred names or descriptors of Brazing Filler rod melts above 840'F (450'C)
Brazing* is a process above a temperature of 840'F (450'C)
Both Soldering and brazing depend on capillary actions to draw the filler metal into the joint.
Welding* is a process that depends on the melting of the base and filler metals to form the joint. It doesn't depend on capillary in any way.
Braze welding is not a brazing process as it is above the temp. of brazing and lower than welding. Most frequently repairing cast iron parts. You are welding with brazing filler rod
On using the propane type aluminum solder, Two important things you have to do yes one of them is practice, and the second is using only a stainless steel wire brush used for only aluminum! No ferrous contamination, of the weld area. Along with the stainless pick or fork to move the oxides of the top of the solder pool.
The oxides form as soon as you as you stop cleaning the surface and have to be moved out of the way. I have used the aluminum in reality it is a white metal solder for years, as it will work on some die cast too.
Cleanliness is of the up most.
Here is the instruction sheet that comes with the type that is demoed and sold at car and model engineering shows in this area I know the guy that sells it for 15 years. He has been a staple at the NAMES expo for years.
In addition Probably easier for Our English members to find. Is a wonderful book by Cassell out of London. by Eric Franklin called Soldering,Brazing and Welding second edition 1963 it predateds both of the book id numbering systems!
I haven't finished a review to post yet but it is a great book on the subjects of the title and more. It covers everything, in the soldering area, both hard and soft explains the differences in the processes. wiping lead joints on pipes. Covers the repair and operation of irons ,blow pipes and other apparatus. Welding oxy/fuel,electrically and by forge.
It is a great book if and when you can find it.
Back to the subject of the solder, and it is solder not a brazing filler rod! no matter what they call it. I have used the other brand that is sold at the Big box stores with the aluminum flux it never worked as well as the propane only stuff. I have a package of aluminum solder that used to to packaged by Kester brand here in the states.
As a historical footnote, Aluminum soldering was kicked to the curb after the war here in the states. As the new and marvelous process Heli-acr came to the fore front. We know now it as TIG since Heli-arc was a brand name of the Hobart company.
