I have a few projects planned where I will need to weld copper to copper. Some copper pipe, and some copper sheet metal. These projects will need strong welds, I also dont want a brass look where the weld joints are, like sweating in plumbing. I am looking into patina or burnt copper finish when I am done, so it has to look good, I can grind down a weld with no problems if the process doesn't add another metal type that will show through and ruin the look I am going for. I appreciate any and all comments!
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What's the best way to weld copper?
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yep TIG it, just remember it sucks up the heat so you will need big amps for any thing thick. how thick is the copper you intend to do?? if its realythick you might need to go to plasma welding it.thanks for the help
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One project is sheet metal, haven't bought it yet so don't have the thickness. The other is copper plumbing pipe.
I have access to a Miller 175 Mig. Is there any way to use that for this project?
I saw on mw.com where this welder is capable of copper welding. Someone told me that I could weld copper w/ the 175, but would need a spool gun to do it.
Thanks for the input!- 250 Bobcat
- too many irons in the fire
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Originally posted by subzero View PostOne project is sheet metal, haven't bought it yet so don't have the thickness. The other is copper plumbing pipe.
I have access to a Miller 175 Mig. Is there any way to use that for this project?
I saw on mw.com where this welder is capable of copper welding. Someone told me that I could weld copper w/ the 175, but would need a spool gun to do it.
Thanks for the input!
I doubt the cabability of the 175 for what your needing.
If you dont have a TIG, gas weld it using copper filler and flux, its used a lot for ornamental copper work and copper pressure vessels.
www.tinmantech.com is a good source for materials and further information.
-Aaron"Better Metalworking Through Research"
Miller Dynasty 300DX
Miller Dynasty 200DX
Miller Spectrum 375 extreme
Miller Millermatic Passport
Miller Spot Welder
Motor-Guard stud welder
Smith, Meco, Oxweld , Cronatron, Harris, Victor, National, Prest-o-weld, Prest-o-lite, Marquette, Century Aircraft, Craftsman, Goss, Uniweld, Purox, Linde, Eutectic, and Dillon welding torches from 1909 to Present. (58 total)
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TIG it DCEN with deoxidized copper filler. Don't use bare electrical wire or plain copper -- the welds will come out like crap. Deoxidized copper filler is not hard to find.
I confess that I have never done it . . . at least successfully. . . but I have seen it done and it works.
Also, copper needs lots of heat. Don't be shy with the amps.
Good luck with it and post pics.
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Originally posted by subzero View PostOne project is sheet metal, haven't bought it yet so don't have the thickness. The other is copper plumbing pipe.
I have access to a Miller 175 Mig. Is there any way to use that for this project?
I saw on mw.com where this welder is capable of copper welding. Someone told me that I could weld copper w/ the 175, but would need a spool gun to do it.
Thanks for the input!
Not sure if you need a spool gun to use it like you do with Al.
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Originally posted by TS-Off-Road View PostYou can get silicon-bronze mig wire and with 100% argon you can mig braze it. Daytona Mig has 2lb spools of .030 s/b wire for around $30, 10lbs for $140.
Not sure if you need a spool gun to use it like you do with Al.
You shouldn't need a spoolgun. Silicon Bronze wire is much stiffer than aluminum.
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Originally posted by makoman1860 View PostI doubt the cabability of the 175 for what your needing.
If you dont have a TIG, gas weld it using copper filler and flux, its used a lot for ornamental copper work and copper pressure vessels.
www.tinmantech.com is a good source for materials and further information.
-Aaron
I never object to having too many tools, so I have another question. If you were going to be welding copper among other things, "Which TIG would be your choice, while trying to stay budget minded?".
I saw a used Miller Econotig for $1100obo, also a few Syncrowave 200's pop up from time to time. I know some of you guys say crank up the amps. What amp range is adequate?
I sincerely appreciate your help!- 250 Bobcat
- too many irons in the fire
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Keep in mind that only certian grades of copper are weldable, although most are able to be brazed, soldered etc.... The econo tig and the 200 wont have the power for any real welding on copper. You would be prety limited on the thikness. We push our sync. 350's at work nearly to the breaking point on the copper/nickle stuff we do.
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Copper to Copper
What wall thickness on the pipe?
Silver brazing works fine -a 45% or a 50N flow very nice, although it is expensive - sold by the ounce if that tells ya anything - or you could use a 15% sil/phos as well.
Welding copper - again thickness matters - 250 amp Miller Syncrowave would be my machine of choice. Set on AC, Hi-Freq continous, pure tungsten, sil/bronze as your filler material and 100% Argon for shielding gas.Steve Beckman
Rockford Industrial Welding Supply, Inc.
"Setting the Standard in Service"
1.800.226.1904
riws.com
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Originally posted by subzero View PostI appreciate the advice, I have checked out the site and believe I will begin by trying my projects w/ OA torch.
I never object to having too many tools, so I have another question. If you were going to be welding copper among other things, "Which TIG would be your choice, while trying to stay budget minded?".
I saw a used Miller Econotig for $1100obo, also a few Syncrowave 200's pop up from time to time. I know some of you guys say crank up the amps. What amp range is adequate?
I sincerely appreciate your help!
-Aaron"Better Metalworking Through Research"
Miller Dynasty 300DX
Miller Dynasty 200DX
Miller Spectrum 375 extreme
Miller Millermatic Passport
Miller Spot Welder
Motor-Guard stud welder
Smith, Meco, Oxweld , Cronatron, Harris, Victor, National, Prest-o-weld, Prest-o-lite, Marquette, Century Aircraft, Craftsman, Goss, Uniweld, Purox, Linde, Eutectic, and Dillon welding torches from 1909 to Present. (58 total)
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