Silicon Bronze TIG Rod and a "Gold Plated Horseshoe"

What is silicon bronze TIG rod used for?

Also used as an overlay material for bearing and wear surfaces.

Silicon Bronze TIG rod can be used as a wear pad, or to repair a worn area.

...And according to most manufacturers....

silicon bronze TIG rod  is...

"Used to weld base metals of steels and cast iron to copper, brass and bronze. May also be used to weld on galvanized steels."

I have a really good friend named Barbie better known as

"Barbie the Welder" who wrote a book about horseshoe projects.

There are quick easy instructions for making things like wine bottle racks, coat racks, paper towel holders, and lots of other ideas.

So I grabbed a copy to get some inspiration and ideas for future videos.

For some reason, I thought about the old saying about a "gold  horseshoe" and I had this idea for overlaying or cladding a horseshoe with silicon bronze TIG rod and then shining it up to make it look like it was gold plated.

Pulse Settings for Overlay with silicon bronze TIG rod

You don't really need pulse to use silicon bronze TIG rod  but I have found some pulse settings that seem to work really well for me for tig brazing with silicon bronze

Learn more about this affordable tig welder with bonus kit at weldmonger.com

TIG brazing with silicon bronze TIG rod is a versatile process used in various practical applications due to its ability to join dissimilar metals, low heat input, and aesthetic finish. Here are some practical applications:

 1. Automotive Industry
- Body Repairs and Fabrication: Silicon bronze is used for repairing car bodies, particularly for vintage or classic cars where minimizing heat input is crucial to prevent warping of thin metal panels. It is also employed in fabricating custom parts and components

 2. Art and Sculpture
- Metal Sculptures: Artists and sculptors use silicon bronze brazing for creating metal art pieces. The process allows for fine, detailed work and a smooth finish that can be easily polished .
- Jewelry Making: The precision of TIG brazing makes it ideal for joining small, intricate pieces in jewelry design.

bracelets can be made easily by twisting several pieces of silicon bronze filler rod. Hammering flat followed by a polish can make for a nice looking bracelet.

 3. Marine Industry
- Boat Repairs: Used in repairing or fabricating parts for boats, silicon bronze brazing is valuable for its corrosion resistance and ability to join different types of metals used in marine environments

 4. Sheet Metal Work

- Joining Thin Metals: TIG Brazing with silicon bronze tig rod is ideal for joining thin metal sheets without causing warpage or burn-through, which is essential in industries requiring precision and aesthetic quality, such as in architectural metalwork.

- Galvanized Steel: TIG brazing with silicon bronze is effective for joining galvanized steel, as it reduces the risk of zinc vaporization compared to traditional welding.

 Benefits of Using Silicon Bronze Filler Rod in TIG Brazing
- Low Heat Input: Reduces the risk of warping or distorting thin materials.
- Aesthetic Finish: Provides a smooth, attractive finish that requires minimal post-processing.
- Corrosion Resistance: Ideal for applications where the joint will be exposed to corrosive environments.
- Versatility: Can join dissimilar metals, making it useful in a variety of industries.

Overall, TIG brazing with silicon bronze filler rod offers a flexible, low-heat method for creating strong, visually appealing joints in a wide range of applications.