Building with brass

[kincer]

Has anybody built anything with brass? Chassis,bumpers,sliders etc? If so how well does it hold up? I hear it solders very easy.

[sickcivic95]

Brass works great, I've built with it on multiple occasions, from bumpers to tube work. It holds up decent for what it is compared to brake line and sheet metal it will knock and dent easier but not fold over or anything extreme.... Exceptions always apply.... Of course a crazy rollover could cause this but regular wear and tear it seems to hold up well. I'd just reinforce it in areas that may take a beating Or just get a bit thicker sheet than normal.

--Dan

[kincer]

Thanks for the info, whats the best solder to use? I have the electronics solder and I also have some used for plumbing.

[hotwheels000]

I would imagine either would work, there will be different percentages of the alloys.... With electrical solder I use a 65/35 with the plumbing solder you will need to use a tinning flux for best results since it isn't rosin core. I like Oatley tinning flux, you can find it a lowes or home depot if they are in your area.

I actually use the tinning flux with rosin core solder since I tend to load my iron tip instead of feeding the solder into the joint and the rosin burns off before I get to the joint. I even use it when soldering wires.

If you are doing any grinding for clean up, be careful not to stay in one area to long or you can actually melt the joint just from the heat the grinder generates.

[kincer]

I have no idea what flux I have is but I use it for all my soldering jobs and all joints are solid and don't break, I'm gonna get some brass and start building.

Sent from the RAZR's edge

[OSRC]

I use a small torch, tinning flux, and "metal work" solder - seems to work very well, and has held up great. I doublewall the brass a lot of times when I need extra strength, and helps when bending as well. I usually use a wet towel over nearby joints to keep them from overheating when doing complicated areas.

Been working with brass for a long time - it's a little finicky at times, but I'm not comfortable brazing in my basement, and brass is much easier to join with far less heat. Don't like the gold color that pokes through when it chips, but a little sharpie touch-up and you'd never notice.

[kincer]

Thanks for the info and pics, I don't wanna braze in my basement either so that's why I'm goin this route.

Sent from the RAZR's edge

[YJ_Driver]

I use silver solder, it's stronger than electrical and plumbing solder, but also requires a bit more heat. A small butane torch is great for this too.

[kincer]

Can you get silver solder at lowes or places like that?

Sent from the RAZR's edge

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by kincer

Can you get silver solder at lowes or places like that?

Sent from the RAZR's edge

I've used this before...got it from my local Ace Hardware. It's a pretty cheap way to try silver soldering.

Also, you should check out the micro sections here on RCC. There are a few really good threads on brass built chassis'