Buying A Torch For Silver Soldering - Advise Needed

Nogoingback said:
Great idea on the bricks. I'll run some down. I've got the torch and both propane and MAP-PRO gas, so
all I need is some solder and I can start to play with this.
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I bought firebrick from a local masonry supply for far less money than the big box stores. Worth a look!
 
Flyinfool said:
Silver soldering is a low temperature silver bearing solder, Typically less that 10% silver and solders at temperatures below 840°F (450°C).
Silver brazing is a higher temp process using a silver ally that is much higher in silver content and brazes at temperatures above 840°F (450°C).
Silver brazing is stronger than silver soldering.
Silver soldering is stronger than soft soldering.

Number 1 question that makes a huge difference, Are you talking about silver soldering or silver brazing?
Number 2 question What solder/brazing alloy do you want to use?

These are the 2 big questions as to the type of torch you will need.
Next is the size of the parts, this will determine the size of torch you will need.
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I'm actually thinking silver brazing. Although I have some projects in mind, initially I'd like to practice with shop scraps: that will give me a better idea what is possible with the torch I have. As I gain some experience I'll have a better idea
about whether I'll need to upgrade to a different torch.
 
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I find Bernzomatic and Mapp gas way too expensive, I mainly use BBQ gas, I have large and small burners for BBQ gas, for smaller jobs with silver solder and if I need more heat then i'll use Oxy Acetylene.
 
Always best to start with what you have.
I use either a big soldering iron or a propane torch for silver soldering and Oxy/Act for all types of brazing. I never tried MAPP since I don't have one.
 
I looked up specs for propane and Map-Pro, and Map-Pro has a slightly higher flame temp. As Downunder Bob
pointed out it's more expensive, but with experience I may find I can save it for jobs where extra heat is needed.
I also learned that true MAPP is no longer produced: Map-Pro is it's replacement.

I also looked up the specs for Harris Safety Silv suggested by francist and the SSF-6. The SSF-6 has a higher silver content but an almost 200 degree lower melting point which may be useful with my torch, so I plan on ordering some.
 
kd4gij said:
For little stuff I picked up a Smith little torch with disposable tank regulators at a flea market for $30.00. Amazon has a copy for cheap.
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I think that's a fantastic deal you got for $30, the genuine Smith (made in USA) is not cheap, what is available nowadays on Amazon or Ebay, Ali Expres (as you noted) is a pathetic copy of the original and the funny thing is many buyers don't even know they're buying a fake and probably Dangerous torch.
 
What size are you interested in? This will influence the choice of heat source.
 
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