How to Weld Copper to Chrome
Copper is a malleable metal used in plumbing and electrical circuitry. It can also be used as a decoration or to add accents to home furnishings. Copper and chrome highlight each other due to the differences in color. You may have the need to weld copper to chrome to create a piece of art or to accent a vehicle. TIG welding is generally used to weld copper to any material due to the heat output of the tungsten with a 75-25 percent ratio of helium to argon gas. Copper transfers heat much like aluminum and a TIG welder has the ability to produce the amperage needed to reach the correct welding temperature for copper. TIG welders can be rented or purchased at tool supply outlets. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- TIG welder
- Welding helmet
- Insulated gloves
- Clamps
- Shop towels
- Wire brush
- Bronze filler metal
Instructions
-
How to Weld Copper to Chrome
-
1
Clean the surface of the copper area that is to be welded with a wire brush. Wipe the area clean with a shop towel. The chrome plating needs to be removed from the chrome piece prior to welding. Use a wire brush to remove the chrome plating and wipe the surface clean with a shop towel.
-
2
Set the two pieces of metal in position and use clamps to hold them in place.
-
-
3
Clamp the alligator clip on the ground cable of the welder to the work area. Turn on the welder and set it to the desired position.
-
4
Put on the welding helmet and insulated gloves. Position yourself above the work area. Start a weld pool at the beginning of the weld. A weld pool is a small puddle of melted metal that forms from the heat of the torch.
-
5
Hold the tungsten perpendicular to the weld and the filler metal at a 15-degree angle to the weld. Dab the filler metal into the weld pool. Slowly drag the weld pool along the seam of the metals while slowly adding the filler metal. Continue to weld until you reach the end of the seam.
-
6
Allow the metals to cool. Clean the finished weld with a wire brush to remove any weld splatter and rough edges. Wipe the surface clean with a shop towel.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always weld in a ventilated area.
Do not weld near flammable materials.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
