Is it realistically possible to braze steel using a standard propane torch?

Question

Have any of you brazed something like a bicycle or a bicycle trailer, that has to take a conciderable amount of abuse, using just a propane torch and the standard tip?

I have gotten metal red hot using just a propane torch and a standard tip (a tip that might be used to solder copper pipes together) , Whether that was hot enough to braze with is the question.

If propane is hot enough to braze with are there any tips you may have to reduce the amount of propane used and to strenghten the brazed area.

Answer 1

Propane does not burn hot enough to braze.

Answer 2

No. The areas you spoke of need to be welded. Braze does not have the strength required for a high tensile connection. It has its use but not in these applications. To hold a fender brace it would be OK. But not with a propane torch.

Answer 3

if it's a bicycle frame you need to mig weld it. It also needs to be aligned before welding. It's kind of like a drive shaft if you think about the stress that will be put on it. cut a semicircular pattern around the frame and find a collar that will slip over the frame tube. next slide the tube to the bottom of the frame and wels the frame, next grind down the welds so that the collar will slide over the welds and then weld the collar as a reinforcement. remember someone will be on this and you don't want them to get hurt so make sure to reinforce the frame so it doesn't break while riding. Or buy a used bike or frame from a pawn shop and paint it to match your exiting rims and parts.

Answer 4

Connecting metal with the use of a torch requires really high temps. You need to melt the metal of both the item being repaired and the metal you are using to repair with. A propane torch will not attain this high of temp. You would need an oxy/acetylene set-up. Then you could "gas weld" it.