Aluminum Brazing Rods: Follow Up

I have my bundle of Aluminum Brazing Rods.  There was a problem with shipping so I canceled the order and drove up to Harbor Freight Tools.  They carry bundles of Aluminum Brazing Rods for $14.99 not to mention an assortment of other inexpensive gear that comes in very handy for Alcohol Burner construction.  Now I'll be honest.  This isn't a dig against Harbor Freight Tools.  This is just my observatory based opinion.  The tooling provided at this store is not high-end.  If you are handy at tuning up inexpensive tools, this is a good option for you.  Don't expect to get a lot of life out of any hand tools you purchase, unless you are using them every now and then.  Just something to keep in mind.

The Aluminum Brazing Rods have a working temperature of 730 degrees F.  I'm not a professional welder, but this is more of a soldering temperature than brazing.  Nonetheless, they are simple to work with.  No flux is needed.  Just prep your material with a little 220 or 320 grit aluminum oxide sand paper or a single cut file.  I prefer the file because the two mating surfaces will remain flat while they are bonded together.  Either way works.  I was able to successfully bond two soda cans together.  This is perfect for the application intended.  I am satisfied with the weld joint.  No leaks.  I will turn to this for now on.  It might not be preferable to all of the "Gram Weenies" out there, but if you are looking for a product to bond two components together with peace of mind, this is the product I recommend.  Happy Welding!

Measuring Cup Cozy With Lid

Aluminum Brazing Rod

I ordered a package of Aluminum Brazing rods today.   I'm hoping this will end my dilemma of premature sealant failure.  Every product I have used fails after a hand full of burns.  I've used JB Weld, high temp stove cement, and a couple of other high temp adhesives.  This product is suppose to have a fairly high melting point.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  The sticks have a lower melting point than any brazing rod I have ever seen.  I would think the melting point of this product would be closer to a solder.  I guess I will find out soon enough.  If it works, I will post a video.  Then again, if it doesn't work, I will probably post a video anyhow.  Here is a link to the product.......http://www.amazon.com/Forney-Industries-46111-Aluminum-Brazing/dp/B001739LJ0

Tools Of The Trade

I thought I would share some of my ideas and techniques useful for designing and building alcohol stoves.  Most of my focus will be on what happens "behind the scenes" if you will.  Nothing makes a project come together more efficiently than a jig or a fixture.  Jigs and fixtures are time tested and proven to be a necessary implementation to any project that requires repeatability and/or precision.  Jigs and Fixtures share a common ground in that they both are used to locate and hold securely a workpiece in relation to the work tool.  The Jig does this by guiding the work tool along the work piece.  The Fixture, however, does not.  Generally, a Fixture is exactly what its name implies.  Fixed.  Fixed in one position.  Quit useful for locating or establishing known values such as Absolute Zero.  With a little patience and tinkering you can build precise cutting, alignment, and clamping tooling to aid in error-free construction of your favorite stove over and over exactly the same each time.

Ultralight Alcohol Stove build: The Base