Since there are some real good weldors on here, and I've been out of it for a while, thought I might get good info here. Is it possible to braze with a mig gun? Bronze/ brass/ copper welding wire? What gas is used? Thanks, have some artsy ideas.
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Dec. 25, 2011 6:57 p.m. cwh SuperDork
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Dec. 25, 2011 7:09 p.m. JoeyM SuperDork
I've never heard of doing that....The only brazing I know about is oxy-acetylene with brazing rod
[EDIT: Yes, these guys say it is possible
]I changed my welding gas to 100% argon and picked up a couple of 2 lb rolls of 0.025" dia silicon bronze wire online from AWISCO N.Y. Corp for $20 US. I had a hell of a time locating a 2 lb roll a couple of months ago but it seems that a lot more welding suppliers are carrying it now.
The standard size seems to be 0.035" dia. which is NOT the wire to use! The thicker wire runs hotter and gives no advantage over regular steel mig wire - same problems: warpage, burn through, etc.. As a matter of fact, I had a harder time trying to mig braze with the thicker wire than regular steel wire.
I use the lowest voltage setting on my welder and a little faster wirefeed then I usually use for normal MIG welding. I did a test lap joint, ground down the brazing so that it was flush and it is strong! I'm very excited about it, mainly cause its a lot easier than MIG welding. The weld bead does not spark when grinding and the color of the dust is copper color. When you start to grind steel, you see sparks. By the way, I used my normal welding helmet lens and could see very well!
