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Re: TIG brazing repair to an espresso boiler

Posted: Mon May 22, 2017 6:26 pm
by JKR
Thanks for the spec sheet. It mentions flux for brazing brass, but does that matter for TIG. I'd assume not with the argon purging.

Tom, I need something that will cap and build up. Silver solder won't do this.

Re: TIG brazing repair to an espresso boiler

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2017 3:21 pm
by JKR
I finally got my hands on the Blockade. Wasn't expecting a grey colored rod, although the original braze had grey filler metal so may be something similar to the original.

What amperage range would you suggest? I had no foot pedal so I tried 120 on the first fat blob, then 70amps for second attempt. 70 seemed fine. I just moved to quickly because I thought it was going to overheat again. I'm happy to see less overall heat inputed. I think this should work out fine.

Any final suggestions or considerations before I attempt the repair on the next work day?

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Re: TIG brazing repair to an espresso boiler

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2017 6:09 pm
by Poland308
You should be able to find a happy medium as you work on the peace and it starts to heat up you may be able to progressively back down your amps.

Re: TIG brazing repair to an espresso boiler

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 7:25 pm
by JKR
So I got it all welded up. Before someone points it out, I am not proud of the welds. I was running really low on giveafuckitude. I don't know why, but I just wanted it out of my way. BUT it holds pressure! All hail the immortal booger-welds.

Thanks a ton for the input and hand holding. I can't wait to have good espresso!


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Re: TIG brazing repair to an espresso boiler

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:49 pm
by Harmonic
I know this thread is 6 years old, but I have a very similar espresso boiler with the same internal failure. Before I go about trying the same repair that you did, I was wondering if there is anything that you would do differently, either in cutting out the old tube, or in doing the repair braze/weld? For me, this will probably be the only time I do this sort of job, so any advice or tips on getting good results is appreciated. Thanks.

Re: TIG brazing repair to an espresso boiler

Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 9:15 pm
by Poland308
I can’t speak for the original poster, but any time your dealing with thin metal. That has been exposed to boiling water, then your biggest enemy will be the mineral deposits. Often there on the back side where it’s nearly impossible to clean off.