I am wanting to learn to make copper water features, just getting started, do you weld copper or braise it? Help. Where do you buy the sheets of copper too? thank you
Brazing involves high temperatures and a filler material (usually brass rod). What you want to do is called soldering. Just takes a Bernz-o-matic torch, flux and solder. Larger sheets of copper would probably be found only at metal shops. Not a cheap item currently.
For outdoor copper water features would braze the copper. Brazing requires an oxy/acetylene torch but, it will not have to be a heavy duty setup. Found local welding supply stores to be best for reliable information , protective gear, rod, accessories most importantly having gas bottles refilled or swapped. Could solder but the joints would be weaker if there is any stress on them. A common hardware store ,propane torch will do. Would just search metal suppliers or metal art supplies for copper sheet . rod tube online. Most craft stores have some but limited in size thickness. A friendly machine shop may help with placing orders. Best regards
the technical term for welding copper pipe is called Sweating to sweat pipe you need Solder, soldering paste (sometimes called flux) and solder now days lead is not used due to health concerns and tin alloy solders are used instead What are you trying to make? Small sheets of copper and brass are available at some hardware stores and hobby shops You can also find small diameter tubing ( brass usually) at hobby stores. You can sweat copper to brass so technically, to answer your question, you braise copper
