My first steps in hard solder/silbrazing

Discussion in 'Fettling Forum' started by ajvuik, Oct 7, 2020.

  1. ajvuik

    ajvuik Subscriber

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    I have an Optimus 111T which I now own for many years and has served me well. But, about 5 tears ago it developed a leak in the burner, which was promptly repaired by @loco7stove

    Unfortunately it developed a leak next to the repair. Now I had a choice, find a new burner(Almost impossible), ask for a repair. OR repair it yourself.

    I decided to do the latter. I went out and bought myself this burner:
    IMG_20201006_073511.jpg

    And after watching some Youtube I went and try to braze the fault.
    First and foremost: clean the spot that needs brazing!
    Add flux and heat the spot until it begins to glow red.
    Add the silver and watch it becoming one with the metal.

    With flux and solder-silver in hand, I managed this:
    IMG_20200929_204659.jpg

    Mind you, it wasn't attached to the tank when I brazed it, I just screwed it on for stability.
    Then came the moment of truth! Did the would the repair hold? Did I do a good job or did I destroy my precious 111T burner-head?

    pre-heat:
    IMG_20201005_191020.jpg

    Open her up:
    IMG_20201005_191407.jpg IMG_20201005_191420.jpg
    A bit of an orange flame, but other than that, it looked good! No puffs or candle-like flame underneath!

    And of-course, the boil test!
    IMG_20201005_191610.jpg IMG_20201005_191624.jpg

    After a while the flame even became less orange!
    IMG_20201005_192222.jpg

    And a full rolling boil after a minute or 3(didn't time it)
    IMG_20201005_192130.jpg

    It may not be the most prettiest of repairs and I'll have to see how it holds up, but for now it looks good. I had the stove running for about 15 minutes and it didn't create a puff or anything from underneath. So I am a happy stovie again ;)
     
  2. Ian

    Ian Subscriber

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    Well done!
     
  3. presscall

    presscall United Kingdom SotM Winner SotY Winner Subscriber

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    @ajvuik You did it right. Good for you! Kit and a technique worth having in our hobby.

    John
     
  4. Haggis

    Haggis Subscriber

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    Bravo for the attempt,,, and for the success...
     
  5. ajvuik

    ajvuik Subscriber

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    Thanks guys. I'm moderately proud of my work. :content: