ArtMetal

Hello all,
Been experimenting a little with techniques for texuring and welding copper for the forthcoming tree project.
From looking into the archives here, I see most people use silicone copper rods,and Harris 0 keeps popping up ( not quite sure if they exist over here but I'm sure there's an equivalent)
I'm planning to use tig - and I've tried some silicone bronze rods I bought in a job lot ages ago - they'll stick it, but nasty and fumy and spitty and brassy.(excuse technical jargon)

I've also got a very few phosphor bronze rods I got from my old work before they shut down. These are my "magic" rods I use for cast iron repairs, and joining most dissimilar metals.I don't claim to understand the metallurgy involved, but they just seem to work for me.

They also seem to do a lovely job on copper sheet, weld easy and smooth, and good colour...so being as I'm going to be spending a fair few pennies on rods, I'd rather get the one's I'm used to, and that're multifunctional..unless anyone knows a good reason not to use em - or the silcon copper rods( which I've never tried) will do everything the phosphor bronze do but better!

Any advice appreciated, as always.
Will