Tig Aluminum to Steel

DSM8 · Wed Apr 29, 2015 6:29 pm

Wanted to know if there was a way to tig (BRAZE) AL (6061) to mild steel.
Was going to try with Aluminum bronze but wanted to see if anyone had any practical experience doing this for real and if so what did you use?

exnailpounder · Wed Apr 29, 2015 6:52 pm

Aluminum bronze is the ticket. Silicon bronze will brittle the aluminum. Been there done that.

Wed Apr 29, 2015 7:27 pm

For clarification,

This is a BRAZING process, not actual "welding".

Steve S

DSM8 · Wed Apr 29, 2015 7:36 pm

Otto Nobedder wrote:For clarification,

This is a BRAZING process, not actual "welding".

Steve S

Understood which in this case is what I am looking to accomplish.

Wed Apr 29, 2015 7:38 pm

Just a note...

I was clarifying for the "newbie" welder who might read this and think he could weld aluminum to steel.'

It happens...

Steve S

DSM8 · Wed Apr 29, 2015 7:47 pm

corrected first post to clarify for the n00bs

LtBadd · Wed Apr 29, 2015 8:40 pm

DSM8 wrote:Wanted to know if there was a way to tig (BRAZE) AL (6061) to mild steel.
Was going to try with Aluminum bronze but wanted to see if anyone had any practical experience doing this for real and if so what did you use?

Really, never had a requirement for this. If you could provide a photo of this weld that'd be much appreciated.

Wed Apr 29, 2015 8:43 pm

LtBadd,

I've often used transition joints between aluminum and stainless steel. These were sourced, rather than fabbed, but it happens.

There's a "stick-on" thermometer, to assure you don't overheat the joint.

Steve S

DSM8 · Thu Apr 30, 2015 11:36 am

I tried to AlumaBronz (braze) a piece of 6061 to steel.

AL was cleaned with stainless brush.
Steel was cleaned and bright shinny metal.

The initial weld seem to get good penetration into the AL and adhesion on the steel.
Soon as it was cool enough I was able to break the bond with my hands.

What was strange was the transition point of the brazing material to the AL is where the break occurred and it was a straight line. The adhesion to the steel seems to be very strong.

I should have taken a picture.

Going to try again this time I will start the puddle on the Aluminum and draw the pool down onto the steel.
Let it cool then puddle on the steel and merge into the weld pool.

CanMoulder · Thu Apr 30, 2015 4:35 pm

Could you not just Silver solder?
would not be better?

DSM8 · Thu Apr 30, 2015 4:38 pm

CanMoulder wrote:Could you not just Silver solder?
would not be better?

Well sure but EVERYONE silver solders.....wanted to try something different.

That and the fact I don't have any solder, or flux, or a torch necessary to apply said solder and flux....

Part of the fun is doing shit that is hard, like welding copper to stainless. That was a bitch...(used silicon bronze so really brazed it not welded)

Thu Apr 30, 2015 8:05 pm

Silver-solder is my go-to for dissimilar materials, typically stainless steel to bronze. Oxy-fuel with real heat-soak, for real penetration.

TIG-braze is a jackass way to do a critical joint, in my opinion. I fix it often.

Steve S

CanMoulder · Thu Apr 30, 2015 8:35 pm

other than solder and flux
it is the same torch
and might be easier to do to be honest
I don't braze anything if I don't have to

and yes I have welded steel to aluminum
and it never works out LOL

LtBadd · Thu Apr 30, 2015 8:39 pm

CanMoulder wrote:Could you not just Silver solder?
would not be better?

Like this from Harris? http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/en/P ... r-500.aspx