Posted by Warren on October 24, 19100 at 23:53:51:

In Reply to: Topic: Which type of Copper sheeting for brazing posted by Paul B on October 23, 19100 at 14:12:17:

When buying copper sheets the thing to look for is the source to the cost. The thickness that you are going to use is one of the most common. The thickness is used a lot in the roofing and gutter business and usually comes half-hard. This is so that it can be bent into a gutter then keeps its form. Most copper will be 99% copper. So look to a place that you can get the copper at the best price, not if hard or soft. Some sheet metal fabricators will have scraps that you can buy to experiment with. Also sheet metal fabricators/suppliers will sell it cheaper than from Copper and Brass Sales. Almost 1/4 the cost.

If you are brazing the copper just for what it is worth watch what type of flux and brazing rod. Do not use the flux-coated rod. The fluxes after time what I call salt or form a white crusty line at the edge of the weld. I can not remember how many times I have seen some beautiful work but the welds are salty.

I recommend using bare brazing rod. You can get the low fume if want but not worth the extra cost. Just plain brazing rod.

For the flux I recommend Miniflux Powder I think the part number is 19481 from Eutectict Castolin. This is a pink flux and will not salt. Design for medical equipment brazing or at least I think that is what the salesman said. I do not know if still good number because you have to buy it in five pound can and mind is about 15 years old. Last a long time and worth the cost.

If you do not want to see the welds or want a copper color weld that will patina with the copper use a phos copper rod. Cheaper than sil-flow phos copper rod and the same results, just no silver. Only thing is that if grind or sand the weld the weld will be silver colored. Just pickle the piece than patina works the best.

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