[modeleng] Re: TIG welded copper boilers

I built one steel boiler, for a 4"scale traction engine, and had to submit 
test pieces to the insurance company, and have my work examined by their 
boiler inspector. All in addition to the usual tests.
I am pleased to say it passed with flying colours.
(I was taught to weld by a guy who spent his time welding pressure vessels 
and pipelines for the oil industry, and who had every certificate known to 
man.)

I later part-built another boiler, and am 100% happy with the welding, which 
may be some relief to the list member who now has it.

Whilst I was reasonably capable with arc and mig, I have never used TIG, but 
have been told that it requires both knowledge and experience to get a 
satisfactory result.

My experience is that almost anyone can silver solder, and provided that 
they take care, will get a satisfactory result.
I dont know how true that is of TIG.
I would have thought that the average amateur built silver soldered boiler 
would be more likely to be safe, compared to an amateur TIG welded one.

However, you have the practical experience so may well be correct.

I know that back when I used to inspect boilers, one could get a first 
impression just by looking at the general workmanship, and that this often 
proved to be correct.
If it looked poorly made, it usually was, and conversely, if all the visible 
joints were neat and tidy, there was a good chance that there would be no 
leaks.
I'm not so sure that this would apply with TIG. I can imagine something that 
appeared OK, but had hidden faults.

Perhaps it is my inexperience that would make me extra careful of a tig 
welded boiler.

I do know that we have a superb safety record, and I would hate to see that 
change.

Alan
(I must add that I would be quite happy with a professionally made boiler, 
TIG welded by a reputable company, such as Maxitak.)

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Craig Gluyas" <craig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 10:12 AM
Subject: [modeleng] Re: TIG welded copper boilers


Hi Alan & All,
>
As a boiler inspector, what matters is that the person jointing the boiler,
be it through brazing, silver soldering or a welding technique (Arc, Mig,
Tig or usually a combination of the three) is competent to do so.
>
In my honest opinion, after working in the pressure vessel industry for 10
years, I would suggest that welding is much easier to perfect than silver
soldering, and that less skill is required to achieve a strong sound joint.

Craig

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