[TowerTalk] Brazing ground wires to copper-clad ground rods

[Michael Tope]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <k3hx at juno.com>


> I've been through the archives on this but have not found
> 
> suitable answers.
> 
> 
> In addition to some Cadweld "one-shots," circumstances require
> 
> me to clamp / braze some less critical connections.
> 
> 
> I've some skill welding and brazing and an oxy-fuel setup.
> 
> 
> 1    Is there a specific flux that is required or just works
> 
>      better for this procedure?  If so, a maker and part 
>     
>      number would be appreciated.
> 
> 
> 2    Is there a specific type of brazing rod that is required
> 
>      or just works better for this.  I asked my welding jobber
> 
>      for "silver bearing" brazing rod and got a blank stare in
> 
>      response.  If so, a maker and part number would be
> 
>      appreciated. 
> 
> 
> 3    I'll be using stranded #2.  Any special precautions, advice
> 
>     or "tricks of the trade" would be welcomed. 
> 
> 
> Thanks to all.
> 
> 73
> 
> Tim Colbert  K3HX
> 


Tim,

When I inquired about silver soldering copper-to-copper at the 
local welding shop, the guy there sold me a tube of "Stay-Silv 
15" Silver Brazing Alloy Rods (15% silver, 5% phosphor). Mind 
you I haven't tried them yet (I am planning to use them for my 
front-yard radial project), but according to the catalog they are 
supposed to be self-fluxing for joining copper to copper (the 
catalog recommends Stay-Silv white brazing fluz for joining 
copper-to-brass or brass-to-brass). Solidus temp is 1190 deg 
F and liquidus 1480 deg F:

http://www.jwharris.com/jwprod/pcubrazealloys/#staysilv15

Again, please bear in mind that I haven't actually tried these
yet, so I can't swear that they are the right solution, but the 
technical/catalog does seem promising. 

73, Mike W4EF...............................................