Welding and Metalworking - stainless steel + propane torch = ?

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mikiel
10-22-08, 09:12 PM
i've done quite a bit of plumbing so the propane torch is nothing new to me but my question is about the use of it to weld together two once joined pieces of stainless steel. it is a small podium which the top became disconnected from the post which is 3/4" cut at an angle of around 30 degrees. i could craft two brackets to put it back together but i'd really prefer to do it the right way if it's in the cards.

any advice?

GregH
10-23-08, 04:37 AM
It is possible to braze some types of SS using silver solder and flux but the material you are working with is likely too thick for the amount of heat available from a standard torch.

Using Mapp gas the one shown below would likey do it because of it's swirl combustion and the added heat of Mapp gas.

Click image:
http://www.bernzomatic.com/Portals/8/Resources/ProductImages/TS8000BT_lg.jpg
(http://www.bernzomatic.com/PRODUCTS/TORCHES/PROFESSIONALTORCHES/tabid/230/ctl/Detail/mid/1009/xmid/6944/xmfid/3/Default.aspx)
Image courtesy of bernzomatic.com

Considering the cost of the torch, Mapp gas, silver solder and flux it may be more prudent to take your broken stand to a welding shop where they could give it fifteen minutes of TIG welding to fix it for you.