Soldering/brazing: Aluminum To Copper?

[chappo1970]

Greg,
I reckon the ally oxide is gunna be the killer. Hard enough tig the stuff with clean joints and a square wave inverter. Nothin's gunna bind to ally oxide. Plus Oxy/Ace will make it worse IMO because the Oxy doesn't completely burn with the Ace? I wouldn't do it and I have been playing with the stuff for over 20yrs. 2c FWIW

 

[mash head]

Greg,
I reckon the ally oxide is gunna be the killer. Hard enough tig the stuff with clean joints and a square wave inverter. Nothin's gunna bind to ally oxide. Plus Oxy/Ace will make it worse IMO because the Oxy doesn't completely burn with the Ace? I wouldn't do it and I have been playing with the stuff for over 20yrs. 2c FWIW

Some old fellas still weld alloy with the oxy . I was never gunna try to do it my stainless copper is heaps easier to weld was just trying to help.

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

The flux is as important as the rods you use

 

[chappo1970]

Wasn't having a shot Greg, I was agreeing with every thing you said and you obviously know your stuff. Problem with the written word is you can't see my head nodding in agreeance. You have to know your shite to give copper to ally ago IMHO.

 

[mash head]

Wasn't having a shot Greg, I was agreeing with every thing you said and you obviously know your stuff. Problem with the written word is you can't see my head nodding in agreeance. You have to know your shite to give copper to ally ago IMHO.

I deleated post because while dicking around in the shed today I took up the challenge. Found some old coppper and allloy and broke out the oxy. The melting temp of alloy and silver solder are verry simmilar and I found it very hard, Spat the chewy arfter about 10 mins. I think the only way to make it work would be with a tin/lead solder as the automotive radiator crew use. Sorry folks but I failed. Time for another beer Greg

 

[chappo1970]

Damn it! I was on your side Greg
Brazing/welding different metals is very very tricky even just with base metals however throwing alloys with different compounds all having different melting and oxidation points is well...phew? is hard. I take my hat off to ya for having a go. If ya in Brisvegas PM me I'll buy ya a home brew and we will have another crack at it!

 

[mash head]

Damn it! I was on your side Greg
Brazing/welding different metals is very very tricky even just with base metals however throwing alloys with different compounds all having different melting and oxidation points is well...phew? is hard. I take my hat off to ya for having a go. If ya in Brisvegas PM me I'll buy ya a home brew and we will have another crack at it!

Thanks for the support mate. I thought that I couldnt rant like I did without putting my money where my mouth or fingers were.
Cheers Greg.

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

Just drill a hole in the pot, and use weldless fittinings...at least they will work

I have soldered brass thread onto a stainless pot with silver solder, but, what a bitch, the pot was that thin, and the brass pipe was thick, that it took several swear words and a few beers to get it right. NEVER again...the stainless was crap...cheap Big W pots....GGrrrr :angry:

But the outlet onto an olg keg...sweet...

 

[chappo1970]

+1 Ducc Man!

Servicable rulez!