How to Braze Stone to Metal

Brazing stone to metal is a precise procedure.

Artists who work with metal and stone are experts in brazing, or bonding, these two materials together. Stone and metal are joined by melting a filler metal, usually made of silver, copper or aluminum. This process is similar to soldering but done at a higher temperature. Adhering stone to metal is particularly difficult because the two materials are smooth and nonporous. A metal joint needs to be brazed on the stone before the stone can adhere to any metal object.

Things You'll Need

• Pliable metal pieces
• Stone
• Propane torch
• Table vise
• Filler metal
• Lighter
• Rag
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Arrange your work area so all tools you need are safely within reach. Put on safety goggles and work gloves.

2. Wrap the stone with the pliable metal pieces so that they cross or meet – this is where the metal joint will be brazed.

3. Place the stone in a vise to secure the metal you have wrapped around the stone.

4. Turn on the propane torch and ignite the flame with a lighter, pointing the nozzle away from you. Turn the knob on the torch to adjust the flame.

5. Pass the torch nozzle continuously across the metal surrounding the stone, being careful not to melt the metal.

6. Place the filler metal where the metal pieces meet the stone.

7. Melt the filler metal with the torch. Pass the nozzle steadily back and forth across the filler metal.

8. Wipe off any excess melted filler metal from the joint with a rag before it cures and hardens.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a vise makes it much easier for you to work with both hands while you braze the metal.

• If, after wrapping the stone with metal, you find your project difficult to handle in a vise, ask another person to help you hold the metal in place while you braze. Make sure your helper is also wearing gloves and safety glasses while you braze.

• Exercise caution when melting metal – it is extremely hot.

• Always wear safety glasses and work in a ventilated area when using a propane torch.

References

• Induction Atmospheres: Online Brazing Guide
• Induction Atmospheres: Brazing Overview
• Induction Atmospheres: Basic Brazing Procedures
• European Association for Brazing and Soldering: Getting the Best From Your Brazing Process
• Aluminum Repair: Aluminum Brazing -- Aluminum Welding

Resources

• Soldering, Brazing & Welding; Derek Pritchard; 2001