- Joined
- Feb 7, 2013
- Messages
- 2,529
Today I needed a tank of oxygen and some brazing rod to fix a leak in the hydraulic oil cooler on my Bobcat 853. I was fine with the
price of the oxygen which came to about $16.00 plus tax and $3.00 hazard fee. The brazing rods I wanted were the non-flux rods in
1/8 inch diameter and they had none at all stating nobody uses plain brass rod any more. Begrudgingly I bought one flux coated rod(3 foot)
at a cost of $2.50 plus tax. I didn't stock up so looking for something more reasonable. On the plus side, my brazing repair was successful
and after a test run I was happy that there were no leaks in the oil cooler. I don't know what pressure goes through the oil cooler but have to think it is not a low pressure line. With the price of copper at about $3.00 and zinc somewhat less, I find it hard to pay $25.00 a pound
for plain brass rods. I have done brazing with plain copper #12 house wire with success so may be opting for more of that in the future.
As far as the strength of brass versus copper, I would have to think copper would be a stronger braze than brass. Maybe someone
more familiar than I on the the subject can weigh in here. Thanks.
price of the oxygen which came to about $16.00 plus tax and $3.00 hazard fee. The brazing rods I wanted were the non-flux rods in
1/8 inch diameter and they had none at all stating nobody uses plain brass rod any more. Begrudgingly I bought one flux coated rod(3 foot)
at a cost of $2.50 plus tax. I didn't stock up so looking for something more reasonable. On the plus side, my brazing repair was successful
and after a test run I was happy that there were no leaks in the oil cooler. I don't know what pressure goes through the oil cooler but have to think it is not a low pressure line. With the price of copper at about $3.00 and zinc somewhat less, I find it hard to pay $25.00 a pound
for plain brass rods. I have done brazing with plain copper #12 house wire with success so may be opting for more of that in the future.
As far as the strength of brass versus copper, I would have to think copper would be a stronger braze than brass. Maybe someone
more familiar than I on the the subject can weigh in here. Thanks.