im building a copper fountain and im wondering if i could use a welding torch to weld the pieces together? i really dont know anything about this LOL please give details of what i should do!
You can Sweat the joints, that is, Sand, flux, heat and solder, Sand the edges with emory cloth, brush on a film of flux, clamp the 2 pieces together if you need and use a propane torch and a some soldering wire, Heat the Metal and touch the solder to the joint and let it melt in between the 2 pieces, less is better, Once you solder it, you can't undo it, so do each step right the first time and you will look like a pro. You may try to rivet the joints first and the seal them with solder, be sure to sand and flux first.
A gas welding torch, (I'm assuming you are talking about) is not capable of the temperatures necessary for melting copper. I also assume you just want to join the sheeting, for your purposes, solder, silver solder, or even brazing, (The highest heat, strongest, of these three choices) will be more than sufficient
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You want to solder ,not weld. I assume that you are using thin copper sheet.You could use an electric soldering iron but a propane torch will work.Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol,rub it with Scotch- brite to make it shiny (sandpaper will produce scratches-I assume this is something decorative you are building?) Use small diameter rosin core solder (try 1/16 diameter,you can get this at your hardware store) Using a low flame,heat the joint for a few seconds,remove the flame,touch the solder and see if it melts.Be careful not to over heat the metal.You only need a little bit of solder to make a strong joint. The right materials,cleaning the joint is essential,and a little practice,and you will be a pro in no time. This is really easy to master.I love working with copper because it looks so good polished.I've been doing this for years. Use hot water to remove the flux,use scotch brite to remove the discoleration and use a polish like Brasso to make it shine. Good luck Merry Christmas!
