welding copper sheet metal oxy/acetyl

By eric Date 03-03-2004 06:44

I'm trying to learn welding of thin copper sheet metal,(1/32") with oxy/acetyl but most of my efforts in up burning holes into the copper. Has anyone have any skill in this area?...I realize that most people braze such thin metal...but if anyone has any insite into welding copper please let me know.

By jwright650 (*****)

Date 03-03-2004 10:55

I've only soldered and brazed copper using oxy/acet. Copper is funny about welding from what I understand, it takes alot of preheat. Gotta get it clean, no oxidation, use some type of flux. Is there a reason why brazing or soldering won't work for your project? Or is this just a "see if I can weld sheet copper" project? What is your joint design? Can the use of an arc process (possibly GTAW) work in your situation rather than oxy/acet?
Maybe others that have welded copper can help.
John Wright

By chall

Date 03-03-2004 13:23

We have been very successful at using GMAW to weld thin (0.025") sheets together.

For our application we had to spot weld two sheets together without burning through the bottom layer (there was a rubber mat beneath it).

We had to use a timer accessory on a Miller wire feeder to get acceptable results. I'm sure there is other equipment that would work.

If this is of interest, let me know and I'll get you some more information.

Charles