Welding bronze?

[oldbilbo]

How well does bronze weld?

I have a 'bow lead' fitting that looks the part, but is functionally useless. Could a ring of bronze be welded on, rather like the fitting on the Folkboat replica 'Jester', which would keep any anchor or tow line led in over the bow in its intended place...?

Or, a better idea....?

 

[sailorman]

How well does bronze weld?

I have a 'bow lead' fitting that looks the part, but is functionally useless. Could a ring of bronze be welded on, rather like the fitting on the Folkboat replica 'Jester', which would keep any anchor or tow line led in over the bow in its intended place...?

Or, a better idea....?

drill 2 holes & a "drop nosed pin"

 

[rotrax]

How well does bronze weld?

I have a 'bow lead' fitting that looks the part, but is functionally useless. Could a ring of bronze be welded on, rather like the fitting on the Folkboat replica 'Jester', which would keep any anchor or tow line led in over the bow in its intended place...?

Or, a better idea....?

A good man could make a strong and effective job using silver solder. As with many metal joining processes, preparation is the key.

 

[vyv_cox]

It can be brazed very well. The problem is finding the precise composition of the fitting in order to match the filler rod. Using a different composition, or silver solder which would otherwise be a very satisfactory solution, is likely to result in galvanic corrosion problems. These would probably not be horrific in the case of a a non-immersed fitting but some care and attention would be required in the future.

It needs a skilful welder to do the job as bronze repairs can be affected by oxide inclusions. The reason that bronze contains about 2% zinc is in order to mop up the oxides formed during casting. A similar precaution would need to be taken for a weld repair, using filler rods designed for the metallurgy.

 

[aslabend]

Just had my bronze bow roller welded after it was damaged. It was definitely welded rather than soldered, even the wear on the cheeks were filled in and then ground flat. Speak to a good metal fabricator.

 

[TimBennet]

It Tig welds beautifully.

 

[Poignard]

I think that rather than spoil a nice old original fitting I would fit some kind of inverted U piece close behind it; through bolted to the deck with a backing plate underneath.