[JHenze646]

I am self-learning hobbyist.
I would like to Tig braze some engraved aluminum plates to the steel bases of some gifts I am making. It will be a 4 side lap joint.
My question is: Since I already don't know what I am doing with welding, are there any specific considerations for tig brazing I should be aware of? Also are there any specific drills or practices that will help with learning this in particular?

The Al is 10 gauge, the steel is 3/16, I am using silicon bronze, and I am welding with a Powerarc 160STH.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

[zank]

No go. The melting point of silicon bronze is about 1800F and the melting point of aluminum is about 1100F.

[JHenze646]

Thank you.
Ok, I am changing the plan, not the goal. I will have to engrave a steel tag.
My first try with silicon bronze did not go well. I tried a bead on plate and it looked all granular and didn't wet out.
Any help is appreciated.

[hey_allen]

Is it possible to use aluminum bronze (ERCuAl) brazing rod on aluminum plate, or is the bronze component high enough temp that it will still be above the pure aluminum?

[zank]

Aluminum bronze melts at about 1900F.

[JHenze646]

0128171000.jpg (48.9 KiB) Viewed 1316 times

So this isn't going well. The filler rod balls up, the bead is granular looking, and it only seems to wet out if I am melting the base metal.
I am using 1/16th filler rod and the base plate is 3/16.
Any help is appreciated.

[electrode]

Does this help?
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/tig ... azing.html

[exnailpounder]

You're including your base metal into your braze. Tig brazing takes practice. You have to use an amperage that would eventually puddle your base but will melt your braze long before your base. takes practice.

[JHenze646]

Things are getting a little better but I am still melting base metal into my braze. I switched to using the torch switch but even at 40 amps the 1/8th inch steel is melting. These were just scrap pieces. I plan to just keep practicing.
As always any help is appreciated.