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Brass backer instead of Copper?
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 8:46 pm
by Greg From K/W
Will a brass plate help out with tig welding ss the same as copper? OR does it have to be copper to prevent the back of the welds crystallizing?
Thanks in advance guys. As always it is always appreciated.
Re: Brass backer instead of Copper?
Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 12:08 am
by weldin mike 27
Hi there,
Brass has got some of the propeties to do the same job, BUT nowhere near as well. The zinc in it will burn out if the arc touches it and stuff up the whole show. Copper is the go because of its purity. Jody also has a video where he uses a big ass chunk of aluminium bar as a backer. The are some of the best conductors of heat.
Mick
Re: Brass backer instead of Copper?
Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 7:50 pm
by Otto Nobedder
Mick is right about the potential trouble with the zinc content in brass. I've used it, though, in non-critical places, as filling a hole in a stainless door panel. I've done the same with MIG.
I've used aluminum as well, with good results. The melting point of the oxide layer reduces the risk of contamination, and aluminum is an excellent heat conductor.
Steve