They do stick aluminum together. Also replace galvanize coating. Low temp doesn't equate to low heat on 1/8 and greater. Takes a little practice and patients to wait for the material to flow. But it does work. It will make future repair difficult if you decide on a different process.

I was watching a video recently. Some high end manufacturer was using it to seal plugs.

 

They do stick aluminum together. Also replace galvanize coating. Low temp doesn't equate to low heat on 1/8 and greater. Takes a little practice and patients to wait for the material to flow. But it does work. It will make future repair difficult if you decide on a different process.

I was watching a video recently. Some high end manufacturer was using it to seal plugs.

What did you mean by "Also replace galvanize coating"?
Did you use any kind of flux with it?
Thank you

 

It is a zinc product. It can be used to replace where galvanized coating has been ground or burned off. Not sure how ot compares to the actual rod made for that purpose, but it does work and matches a fresh galvanized finish.

 

Can you please tell me how you would use these brazing sticks to galvanize steel?
I mean, does it simply stick to the surface of steel(provided steel surface is clean)like paint?
That would mean it can be used to braze steel as well, wouldn't it?

 

This guy has a great video that compares 6 different brands of aluminum welding rods. He runs a series of calibrated tests on melting point, tensile strength, etc, and a few of the brands don't come close to what they claim for performance.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKIKsDfRAcs

I started looking at these rods as a cost-effective and easy way to weld aluminum, and I think they would work for a bird feeder, coffee table or similar application. For real structural stuff I think Mig or Tig is the only way to go.

 

Of course, I tend to agree with that. I'm only considering these brazing sticks for light work that doesn't need much structural strength.
I think though, this would be OK with either building or repairing a small bicycle trailer using bits and pieces from an Aluminum baby pram.

 

Just apply heat and let ot flow. Never tried to braze/ stick steel steel together. Just applied a in with the zinc finish. I used harbor freight alumaweld. Posted photo on here somewhere?

Where is the lady... Who used to advertised that stuff on holidays.

 

Tell me more about that stuff and the lady pls.

 

I did the aluminum brazing thing last fall. The "welds" looked really good. I followed instructions from a video that made it look easy.

It took a long time to get my aluminum up to temperature such that it would melt the brazing rod. After a couple days, the brazed joint cracked. Yes, I cleaned the snot out of the joint.

That's how I ended up here with a real welder. I'm not going back.

 

I hope op is not trying ro replace a machine with brazing rods. It is limited on applications.

 

No, of course not.
I found the Alumweld sticks here. Similar stuff to my OP I think.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/consolidated-alloys-5-sba-2-5mm-solder-silver-per-stick_p5060118?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj9iBBhCJARIsAE9qRtDqxPUqKVn23nV38W6E_y7OBZHaYqD3kX3vjr3StWvIqNNsgano6zcaAjv5EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I get so many alum repairs form customers trying the alum braze/propane torch thing on engine or auto castings. Had one yesterday. Got to remove ALL of that rod, and pad the hole or crack up with with fresh alum filler usually er4943. I charge double or triple the price for my trouble and they have also ate the cost of the braze kit. Same goes for them using JB Weld. They marvel at my results and I get a longtime customer.

 

^^^AMEN right there. When I get stuff slathered in JB weld I charge extra as well. Sometime they balk sometimes they don't.

 

Did this a couple of years ago. It i 3/4 tube with 10 guage wall. Beveled the outside edges of the intersecting tubing. Only cleaned with a brush.

I would not suggest it for anything critical.

Had a builder call me from another state. The had sold some cabinets to a hotel. The pulls were random belt buckles. The builder needed a few repaired at a local hotel. She emphasized using JBweld/ epoxy for the repair. But, I am a welder, I can get it done. Secured the parts. Noticed they were nonferrous....thought, I got just the stuff for this repair(alumaweld). 1st and only attempt... Over heat the metal, distort the buckle , jewel fall out.

Anyway, $500 per or $100 /JBWeld. The builder knew I was not weldable, each time we spoke she kept emphasizing epoxy. They just wanted them repaired.