TIG Brazing with Silicon Bronze

This is a workshop focused on TIG brazing - a technique to join metal with bronze using a TIG torch. Brazing can be used to join metals in a fashion similar to welding, without fusing or melting the separate pieces. In contrast to welding, brazing can be used to join dissimilar metals, repair metals not amenable to welding (e.g., cast iron), and provide a durable but “reversible” bond, if required.

The goal of the workshop is to get familiar with preparation of materials, brazing techniques, and unique safety considerations of TIG brazing with Silicon Bronze (ERCuSi-A), and use this new skill to form a small 5 sided box from steel.

As this is a workshop, the expectation is that each of us will come to the shop with our various levels TIG welding or brazing experience, along with curiosity and a willingness to learn from each other. Each of us should arrive open to giving and receiving feedback with grace, mutual respect, and cooperative enthusiasm.

Safety, mutual respect, and good communication are first priorities in this workshop. Let’s learn together, help each other out and learn something new. We will start on small practice pieces to “get the feel” of the technique and get comfortable with the materials. Once you feel ready to get started, you will receive pieces for your box and you can jump in.

Students will be provided with safety glasses, welding helmets, jackets, gloves, tungsten electrodes, and practice pieces.

If you typically wear glasses to read or do fine work, please bring them to class. Please wear clothes that covers your skin on your upper body and legs, made only of natural fibers to this class (cotton, linen, wool, etc.). No holes in jeans, no open shoes or sandals. In addition, please do not wear dangling jewelry, or rings on your hands, and tie back long hair.

Students must have previously attended an introductory course in TIG welding at A2, or similar. Students must be 16 years old or older. Students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of an adult.

Kendrick is a maker and welder of the “enthusiastic amateur” variety, having completed courses at Artisan’s Asylum and elsewhere focused on welding, blacksmithing, and fabrication. Kendrick has been welding in steel, aluminum, and stainless steel since 2015 at the Asylum and his home workshop, with a focus on furniture, cookware, tools for home, and limited forays into artwork.