Silver soldering gas torch.

[Peter Simpson 1Participant @petersimpson1]

I have just started a 5" gauge BR class 2 loco. As there are quite a few frame stays that required fabricating and silver soldering could anybody suggest a good quality gas torch. Could I used my MIG welding set to assist fabrication of the stays.

[Peter Simpson 1Participant @petersimpson1]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Can't go far wrong with Sievert torches

[VicParticipant @vic]

Yes, Sievert as said. As a source of supply check out Hamilton Gas Products.

**LINK**

Best prices in the UK when I bought mine.

[IanTParticipant @iant]

Peter,

I use a Bullfinch 404 for small steel and brass fabrications – which I find very good. I have SIF-bronzed (brass brazed) smaller steel items together, which can then be silver brazed (e.g. soldered) together at a lower temperature. The 404 will handle both within reason – and larger items with additional heat being supplied to keep the item's heat up.

It will cost more than a single Sievert gun but is versatile in terms of allowing both silver and brass brazing…and has auto-ignition which is convenient. Prices vary – so it would pay to shop around..

https://gasproducts.co.uk/gas-blow-torches/bullfinch-gas-blow-torches/bullfinch-404-autotorch-brazing-gas-blow-torch-kit.html

Regards,

IanT

[IanTParticipant @iant]

This laser cut assembly had the small items SIF bronzed together first – and then the overall/final assembly was silver soldered together. It is about 7-8" high by about 4" wide. The mild steel bracers are there to hold everything in place and were removed (unscrewed) after everything was finished. The finished item is very strong.

All done with the Bullfinch 404 (and in this case) no additional heat was required.

Regards,

IanT

[Peter Simpson 1Participant @petersimpson1]

Thanks Ian I will have a look at the Bullfinch as that fabrication looks bigger than the stays on the BR class 2

Peter

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I did not comment on the Mig question as I only have a stick welder but these are a few bits stuck together with a cheap stick welder and details added by silver soldering.

12" high A frame, base was also welded to form the two legs from 3mm plate and then top and bottoms soldered on

10" long engine frame, smaller parts soldered on and then welded together

Cart crossmembers all soldered about 10" long

 

If you do decide to weld I would suggest making the width a fraction larger and then milling back to final size which will take care of any movement during welding. Welding needs more time to clean things up well at least with my welding it does and also depends on what you are happy to see.

 

Edited By JasonB on 24/01/2018 07:45:47

[Keith HaleParticipant @keithhale68713]

Sievert every time. You will certainly need a brazing hearth. Burners are available that will generate up to 84kw of heat. You may need a little more help than that available from the car boot sale,e-bay, Amazon.Think value not price.
01909 547248 is a good place to start!
The answer to all brazing problems lies behind the torch!
Keith

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