Welding Aluminum with a Propane Torch

In this video, I demonstrate aluminum welding/brazing using a propane torch and Bernzomatic aluminum welding rods.
Buy supplies used in this video:
Aluminum Welding Rods:
www.bernzomati...
Turbotorch Propane Torch:
www.supplyhous...

[@DoesItTho]

Gonna try this on some aluminum intake tubing. Thanks for the details!

[@AH-mp5di]

How did it work out? I have the exact same idea.

[@joshuawarren8777]

@@AH-mp5didid he tell you because I also have the same idea

[@AH-mp5di]

@joshuawarren8777 nope no answer but I ended up finding someone that made the hot and cold side of their turbo intale system this way and it held running 20lbs of boost so I'm going to order a torch and give it a go.

[@DoesItTho]

Haven’t gotten to this mini project yet. Always seems there’s other more pressing items. When I do I’ll post it here

[@rickc2222]

I tried this to repair a bicycle cargo rack - propane and pencil torch would not get it hot enough - so i got map gas and a bigger torch head - much better results. though i did find it impossible to expose bare metal in the crevices - so I did brazing on top and jb weld underneath just to give a bit of extra strength/support.

[@DragonBuilds]

Brazing can be done with propane using a hot turbo flame torch. I’m glad it worked out for you!

[@midwesternwelds1197]

Wth. Weld it dude. I’m not tryna take a bicycle to the face on the highway.

[@rickc2222]

Its a cargo rack..non critical joint. Plus, brazing can be just as strong as an aluminum weld. @@midwesternwelds1197

[@chrislyonm]

@@midwesternwelds1197 i think this was for the rack on the back of a bike lol. it carries small bags for the bike.

[@DragonBuilds]

For a cargo rack it should be fine

[@victork3397]

You clamped the pieces in a METAL vise, which was cooling the pieces down. Try again with the pieces clamped with wood pieces to insulate. That and better prep (using acetone to clean pieces) You’ll get better results.

[@DragonBuilds]

Thanks, I will give these brazing rods another try using your advice!

[@maxamps45]

can i use this method to fill cracks on engine?

[@bergfpv6486]

My problem is that, even with MAPP torch, I cannot get the material got enough to melt the brazing rod. Madly frustrating.

[@diliavelasquez4270]

Add oxygen

[@drright2410]

no flux usage? Would using flux help the aluminum flow through the two alum pieces to make even a stronger bond from the wider coverage?

[@DragonBuilds]

The instructions did not mention using any flux, but you could try aluminum brazing flux.

[@RegularCarGuy]

Do no try with flux it will not work aluminum bonds with strictly heat only

[@reillyfitzsimmons]

Great video! Super helpful that you broke it too so we could see the strength. Any suggestions on something stronger but similar cost?

[@DragonBuilds]

If you need a stronger joint your only option would be a stick welder and aluminum rods, which will cost about $200. However, stick welding aluminum is significantly more difficult than welding steel. You could also change your design to use fasteners like bolts or rivets instead.

[@Enonymouse_]

GMAW, gas metal arc welding (or stick if you prefer). You can get a very basic electric buzz box from Lincoln used for a few hundred bucks, it will take you far beyond brazing but brazing is a good technique to learn.

[@spicky2966]

Brazing Aluminum with a Propane Torch

[@seanzhong4647]

can i ask why my rod falls as a big piece everytime I tried? using yellow map gas, seems like is not hot enough?

[@DragonBuilds]

Probably not hot enough. Which torch are you using and what are you working on?

[@seanzhong4647]

@@DragonBuilds its not hot enough, now i use trade flame mapp gas, preheat more than 3mins works well. Thank you!

[@chriss4365]

Can you use this to weld a broken aluminum gate?

[@MrAwesomal]

yes and no this is brazing its more akin to glueing than welding the base metal and brazing metal heat up and expand as both metals cool the constrict making a tight hold where as with welding youre trading elctrons and actually incorporating the metals together into one piece if you cut a weld against the direction it was laid youll see this reaction and how much the reaction of trading electrons penetrated the base metal but to put it simply if its a decorative peice for a gate sure brazing would be ok but for the hinges or structure brazing wont hold it even if you glob a shit ton on there

[@plywoodcarjohnson5412]

Great for art.

[@DragonBuilds]

Agreed. These aluminum welding/brazing rods aren't strong enough for anything structural but they are adequate for decorative projects and make creating metal art much more accessible.

[@ukieyseniola384]

Can you pls give me the brazing rod details.

[@charizmah5]

would you recommend this for aluminum rims on the car?

[@DragonBuilds]

No, these "welding" rods are not strong enough for anything structural. Aluminum wheels should be repaired with TIG welding as it is strong enough to handle the stress. If it is just cosmetic damage like curb rash, epoxy filler can be used for a quick repair.

[@charizmah5]

@@DragonBuilds okay thank you for the information...highly appreciated

[@corriedupreez7087]

😂

[@larry_to_goated7716]

Can I braze a atv engine case with that

[@DragonBuilds]

No, it is not strong enough.

[@yvys0123]

why don't you use aluminum flux?

[@DragonBuilds]

The rods say they don't require any flux

[@xperimental1974]

Is it possible to weld steel with propane torch?

[@DragonBuilds]

No, a propane torch does not get hot enough. However, you can braze small steel parts together.

[@Enonymouse_]

Yes but its a very different technique than using a tig or mig torch. Propane or oxy torches have been used in cutting and welding long before arc welding dominated the scene.

[@MrAwesomal]

@@DragonBuilds i disagree you can use a propane torch to heat the metal and lay flux between the pieces youre welding and then hammer them together ALOT is it practical? no will your arm fall off before youre successful? most assuredly but... it is possible lol

[@CharlieRobinson_21]

Will butane work?

[@DragonBuilds]

I don't think a butane torch can get hot enough.

[@pretotzkie4031]

Can i use this in bike frame?

[@DragonBuilds]

I do not recommend using this type of welding/brazing rod on anything safety critical such as a bike frame.

[@tennwhitetrash]

Ive got a patio chair that i was thinking about doing this to. It is a center mount base and the legs running to the pedestal are cracked. It is fairly thin aluminum. Would you recommend tig welding it instead?

[@steelthunder76]

I'm sure glad we couldn't see anything