Brazing Stainless?

[Lemonlegs28]

Can you braze stainless steel brakeline? I tried, but i had no luck. I cleaned off the coating, fluxed, heated until cherry red, and applied flux. the flux rolled off and puddled on the tile i was brazing on.

[kaetwo]

Originally Posted by Lemonlegs28

Can you braze stainless steel brakeline? I tried, but i had no luck. I cleaned off the coating, fluxed, heated until cherry red, and applied flux. the flux rolled off and puddled on the tile i was brazing on.

When your brazing, you never want to heat up the material cherry red. Just when the metal seems to look translucent, you should apply the braze.

Another thing to remember, is to apply the flux before you apply heat

[Lemonlegs28]

Originally Posted by kaetwo

When your brazing, you never want to heat up the material cherry red. Just when the metal seems to look translucent, you should apply the braze.

Another thing to remember, is to apply the flux before you apply heat

So should i try playing around with when i apply the braze? And i tried it both ways, before i heated and during heating. No luck either way. What do you use for filler when you braze? I hear of this #56 stuff, i cannot find it. Do you have a link?

[kaetwo]

Check out this link

http://utrcrc.freeforums.org/k2-s-bl...zing-t369.html

Here are a few highlights;

Torch
There are several to choose from, but my two favorites are;

Smith Mini Torch - 23-1014

http://cgi.ebay.com/Smith-Little-Tor...item53de9b9702

Or visit http://www.smithequipment.com/

This torch is by far the best made mini torch on the market and works with Oxy/Propane or Oxy/MAPP Gass. It has replaceable tips, an 8' hose and comes with regulators for disposable tanks, available at Home Depot or Lowes.

My second choice is the bernzomatic TS7000 Auto Torch.

http://www.bernzomatic.com/PRODUCTS/...3/Default.aspx

It's super cheap and will fit the bill for just about any builder. It doesn't get as hot as the Smith torch, but it's pretty dang capable and the instant light feature is way convenient. This little guy uses MAPP or Propane without the need for Oxygen.

Solder
In my opinion there is only 2 types of solder worth exploring;

Harris Silv 56
Harris Silv 45

http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/c...loys.asp?id=30

The best place to buy this product is at Humphries in American Fork or Spanish Fork. I buy Silv 56 rod without flux at about $40.00 for 5 sticks. It can be bought with flux, but I have never used it. Lance however says it works great!

So what one do we choose? If your using a Smith Torch, then get the Silv 45 as it's a little cheaper and has a slightly stronger overall finish. If your using the Benz torch, then get the Silv 56 as it will flow better at the lower temperature. Both types of solder are awsome and will work great.

Flux
I personaly use AllState No. 110 Blue Flux

It's a nice liquid that can be applied with an eye dropper for a precise application. It too can be purchased at Humphries for $7 - $10. There are pastes that are available, but there hard to apply and dry out easily. Save your money and get the liquid stuff.

3 Hands
These are the only third hands work a crap;

http://cgi.ebay.com/THIRD-HAND-BASE-...item414af0bfdb

You don't want the aligator clip types as they loose there tension when heat is applied, and nothing is more frustrating than having your work move after meticulously setting it up to be brazed.

2 of those third hands should be plenty. Mike at Destination Hobbies stocks them and there worth every penny.

That should get you started

[Lemonlegs28]

Originally Posted by kaetwo

Check out this link

http://utrcrc.freeforums.org/k2-s-bl...zing-t369.html

Here are a few highlights;

Torch
There are several to choose from, but my two favorites are;

Smith Mini Torch - 23-1014

http://cgi.ebay.com/Smith-Little-Tor...item53de9b9702

Or visit http://www.smithequipment.com/

This torch is by far the best made mini torch on the market and works with Oxy/Propane or Oxy/MAPP Gass. It has replaceable tips, an 8' hose and comes with regulators for disposable tanks, available at Home Depot or Lowes.

My second choice is the bernzomatic TS7000 Auto Torch.

http://www.bernzomatic.com/PRODUCTS/...3/Default.aspx

It's super cheap and will fit the bill for just about any builder. It doesn't get as hot as the Smith torch, but it's pretty dang capable and the instant light feature is way convenient. This little guy uses MAPP or Propane without the need for Oxygen.

Solder
In my opinion there is only 2 types of solder worth exploring;

Harris Silv 56
Harris Silv 45

http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/c...loys.asp?id=30

The best place to buy this product is at Humphries in American Fork or Spanish Fork. I buy Silv 56 rod without flux at about $40.00 for 5 sticks. It can be bought with flux, but I have never used it. Lance however says it works great!

So what one do we choose? If your using a Smith Torch, then get the Silv 45 as it's a little cheaper and has a slightly stronger overall finish. If your using the Benz torch, then get the Silv 56 as it will flow better at the lower temperature. Both types of solder are awsome and will work great.

Flux
I personaly use AllState No. 110 Blue Flux

It's a nice liquid that can be applied with an eye dropper for a precise application. It too can be purchased at Humphries for $7 - $10. There are pastes that are available, but there hard to apply and dry out easily. Save your money and get the liquid stuff.

3 Hands
These are the only third hands work a crap;

http://cgi.ebay.com/THIRD-HAND-BASE-...item414af0bfdb

You don't want the aligator clip types as they loose there tension when heat is applied, and nothing is more frustrating than having your work move after meticulously setting it up to be brazed.

2 of those third hands should be plenty. Mike at Destination Hobbies stocks them and there worth every penny.

That should get you started

your awesome, thanks a ton. can i get away with plain solder or brazing solder? i cannot find this rod locally, is there ANY substitute for the rod?

[kaetwo]

Personally I would not waist my time with any other solder than Harris. Nothings is as smooth, strong or easier to work with.

Your welding supply store should be able to order it for you.

[Lemonlegs28]

Originally Posted by kaetwo

Personally I would not waist my time with any other solder than Harris. Nothings is as smooth, strong or easier to work with.

Your welding supply store should be able to order it for you.

I have a small MIG welder also.. could i Weld stainless 3/16 brakeling? Im rookie bait, sorry

[bbad]

The mig works good for stainless you just need stanless wire

[Lemonlegs28]

Originally Posted by bbad

The mig works good for stainless you just need stanless wire

Is it as simple as that? No special gasses, or anything? Just Stainless Wire? SWEET

[bbad]

you need gas for the mig welder I havn't seen any flux core stainless wire.
But just the regular mig gas nothing special

[Lemonlegs28]

Originally Posted by bbad

you need gas for the mig welder I havn't seen any flux core stainless wire.
But just the regular mig gas nothing special

Sick, prolly gonna attempt it when my dad gets home then

[transambill]

Originally Posted by Lemonlegs28

Sick, prolly gonna attempt it when my dad gets home then

Remember to wear a mask anytime you braze/weld stainless, the smoke comming off it is toxic.

[kaetwo]

Originally Posted by transambill

Remember to wear a mask anytime you braze/weld stainless, the smoke comming off it is toxic.

Excellent point!!!

What I do to help with this, is I have a fan blowing across my face to help move the fumes away, but wearing a mask is also a VERY smart thing to do. Eye protection is also a must

[War Pig]

I've never heard of the fumes from stainless being toxic...is this new? I know galvanizing is dangerous.

[vw_thing]

Some forms of chromium (main additive to stainless) can be carcinogenic, but only if they are vaporized. It has a melting point 600*F higher than steel, so you don't have to worry about fumes when brazing or gas welding. Just don't start blowing holes in stainless with a torch..

Arc welding could vaporize a small amount of the chromium. Scale building shouldn't release near enough to cause a problem. Same warning as with all welding: keep your head out of the fumes, and allow plenty of ventilation. The fan and/or mask can't hurt, but isn't strictly necessary.