[TowerTalk] Cadweld vs other welds or brazing

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

On 4/25/2014 5:49 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:

> Given the price of Cadwelds and the high number needed for an 
> extensive tower grounding project I am interested in more cost 
> effective alternatives. I know some folks braze their copper strips 
> and or wires to the copper clad ground rods.

There are compact, heavy duty c-clamps that with SS and copper would 
make sturdy and substantial connections.

CafWeld Vs brazing, or silver solder, you are exchanging ease of us and 
consistent results with equipment and skill.

I would choose a well prepared silver solder joint over brazing.

My choice would still be for the cadweld.
> I'm curious if any one here has any knowledge of MIG welding copper to 
> copper using copper wire as filler.

I do a lot of MIG welding, but have never seen Cu to Cu welds.

I would think it might work easier with TIG welding, but The Cadwelding 
approach is well proven.

73

Roger (K8RI)

> If so, what shielding gas was used and how well did it work?

As with plain Aluminum, probably plain argon, but that's a guess.
> At first glance it seems like a reasonable approach and likely to be 
> much cheaper than Cadweld shots.  tT could be an alternative means of 
> making connections that can be safely buried with no need for frequent 
> inspection.
>
> Whatchathink??
>
> Patrick NJ5G
>
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