What kind of torch set-up do you use?
Hello all! I've been looking around and would like to know what torch set up you guys use and/or which is your favorite. At my old job, we had an acetylene/air setup with some pretty big torch tips, but I quickly adapted and came to like it a lot. Now, at my new position, we use oxy/acetylene with the Smith Little Torch. Ever since I started, I haven't been able to get the hang of it; I keep burning the flux and causing quick oxidation, and my joints have become brittle and easily snap. I know that it's too hot, but when I back up and try to heat it evenly it isn't enough heat. Is this a problem that anyone else has experienced? For those of you who also have a Smith Little Torch, what is your opinion on it?
I'd love to hear about others' experiences with MAPP gas, other oxy/acetylene setups, and especially oxy/hydrogen. Additionally, I'd like to know what kind of surface you braze on - fire brick, charcoal, metal?
Thanks guys!
You can absolutely silver-braze steel and stainless. Many high-end bicycle frames are silver-brazed. Both materials are more finicky than brass however, and working with them will make you realize what a wonderfully forgiving material brass is to work with. Stainless TIG rod is a great starting point for trying out brazing stainless. It will require you to freshly abrade the surfaces and I then find it helps to immediately flux them to protect them from contamination and oxidation. Joints will fail on stainless if you don't follow its rules, so get some stock and start trying to put it together. Have fun experimenting!