[TheForge] Welding Copper ?

[Peter Fels And Phoebe Palmer]

Brazing or hard soldering with your torch is the quickest, 
easiest way to go. Either silicon bronze or phos bronze are 
pretty close in color...none of the above will patina the same as 
pure copper with age. The solder or braze differences can be used 
as a design element though as well as brazing rod closer to brass 
( watch the fumes) for a yellower contrast.
Borax will pass for a flux..clean to bright metal, no oil traces. 
Don't overheat...if you get it just right , the braze or solder 
will follow the torch around like a puppy.
Flux coated rod is a bit more expensive but can be real 
handy...otherwise, a can of Peterson's flux or the like ,is left 
open so you can dip the hot rod end into it, when working.
There is also brazing rod for your stick welder but it's not as 
controlable as with a torch.
It's possible to do a pure copper fusion weld with a torch, but 
it's fussy...
Also watch the copper oxides, they kill things...fun, eh?...Pete F

Rick wrote:
> Hi all you guys and gals -
> 
>    I have just decided on copper for the material of choice on a project 
> involving grape leaves and vines.  However, I have never welded copper 
> and am not sure if or how it is possible.  Please fill me in and help me 
> learn on this project as I go.
> 
>    By the way, I only have a 120V Lincoln mig welder or oxy-acetylene or 
> stick welder.  Nothing else, (like tig which I think would be easiest to 
> try).
> 
> 
> Any help appreciated,
> 
> Rick Crawford at Rafter Lazy C
>  Home of Smoky Forge and Lem the Wonder Mule
>   In the middle of Northern Illinois
> 
>    http://www.smokyforge.com
>     rick at smokyforge.com
> 
> 
>