What's the best way to weld copper?

[subzero]

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!

[Fat-Fab.com]

GTAW and lots of amps and for filler use the same material as the parent material

[fun4now]

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.

[subzero]

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!

[Aerometalworker]

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!

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

[MAC702]

GTAW with a piece of the actual parent metal to use for filler is the best way to achieve the perfect finish you are looking for.

[phila.renewal]

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.

[dabeldesign]

I like silica-bronze filler to Tig weld copper. It's easy, gives you a clean finish, and it's strong. I'm not sure about patina finishes on it though.
But then again, it sounds like you don't have a tig welder. O/A torch would be my next choice...

[TS-Off-Road]

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!

You 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.

[MAC702]

You 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.

How will the final finish turn out compared to the properties of the parent weldment?

You shouldn't need a spoolgun. Silicon Bronze wire is much stiffer than aluminum.

[TS-Off-Road]

It's bronze, so it won't match the copper, but it will stick it together. It also takes less heat to mig braze, so a MM175 should be up to the task. If he needs the welded area to match, well, like you all suggested - TIG.

[subzero]

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

I 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!

[Anti-GMAW]

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.

[WELD 15]

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.

[Aerometalworker]

I 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!

Good luck with the copper welding, Ive used it a bit for some reproduction work. Welding with the torch really goes quite well. Having a flame temp thats hotter then a TIG arc helps as well, you will find it nice for making some beautiful welds. Also fluxing the back of the part as well makes the weld bead almost nicer on the backside, something a TIG cant without a backpurge. If you want to TIG in the futute, I find my dyn 300 is almost as capable as my small aircraft style torch.

-Aaron