In three parts (lots of images): Part 1. In the last year I’ve acquired two of these burners – unsurprisingly neither have their top plates: VERA No. 1 Svea No:1 My (self imposed) challenge was to attempt a recreation. This is what we’re dealing with: Courtesy @kerophile Svea 801 burner- C.1912 https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/1912-sveaspislar.11447/ A while back, some of you may recall my attempts to fettle a Heatapan stove: Heatapan Stove In order to recreate a burner plate I “pressed” 2 ¼ inch Welch plugs: When the Heatapan went on to @Tony Press I retained the burner plate with this task in mind. I needed to create the “bumps”: Not all Welch plugs are created equal - homogeneity can be a problem: Planning, using the measurements provided by @kerophile and the two burners: Time to get out the Dremel and cut away to fit: Let's see how the burner performs with the incomplete burner plate: Well (considering): More planning:
Part 2. I needed a jig to hold the pieces in position for brazing: But when I thought about it a little more decided that the large mass of aluminium would create a perfect heat-sink, which lead me to using a refractory brick instead with an appropriately long piece of stainless steel tubing for stability: Then I thought I’d better fenestrate the tubing to allow a better heat transfer: Then it was time to experiment with brazing possibilities. I’d (on the recommendation of a forum member) purchased some Bernzomatic PC-3 rods. I also had some old rods that I’d “found”. There followed a series of experiments with different brazing rod and flux options, temperature and scraps of brass to determine an optimum solution: Consultation with a kite-flying friend who happened to teach welding in his “other life”, helped me to settle on a Tobin bronze option: https://www.cigweld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/CIGWELD-COMWELD-COMCOAT-T-PDS-V1-2024.pdf Nothing for it but to “have a go” then! I created my brazing facility: And after three attempts got a result on Side No. 1: The flux that I ended up using: https://www.jmmetaljoining.com/pdfs-products/Tenacity No.20 Flux Powder.pdf After heating it creates a glass-like glaze which is challenging to remove. After removing the excess metal and flux, time to attempt Side No. 2… Attempt 1. Trying to “flow” the braze into the joint this time: Well that didn’t work! Attempt 2. Try applying the rod: Nope! Attempt 3. Less flux, more heat (2 x MAPP torches!):
Part 3. Time to clean it up and see if it fits and doesn’t disintegrate on a burner: Firing up: It lives! This (my first) burner is a little misshapen so the burner plate sits a little proud, but it doesn’t appear too detrimental: My burner plate creation sits better on the other burner. After-burn images: Uh Oh, but there’s more experimenting to be had – more “Rodgering” to do! You are commended for your patience and endurance… Oh, and before anyone gets any ideas, NO, I’m not going into production! Thanks!
@Tony Press, @presscall, @Knee, @Nicola Francesco Elia Thank you! Perhaps Tony's suggestion of 3D printing might have been a better option, but I've some knowledge, experience and a little confidence too...
Well done @Rodger Willows An excellent lesson in ingenuity and perseverance to bring a historical piece back to life Welsh plugs the world over beware. Great to see Rodger Meticulous work with a successful result. Hats off to you! May many coffees be brewed upon your fantastic fabrication. Kind regards Scott B
@Scott B Thanks Scott! There's more learning to be had. I hope you've had a wonderful family Easter...
