Bernzomatic Aluminum Welding and Brazing Rod AL3 - Universal - 2 Pack

I needed to braze two aluminum 2x2 inch extrusion elbow joints together for solidity. I tried another brand which did not melt until the aluminum did. I bought the Bernzomatic AL3 rods and they worked properly. I used an infrared thermometer during heating of the aluminum with a MAP gas torch to monitor the heating process. It took longer than I expected for the aluminum to get up to 730F but when it was finally there, the application of the rod went smoothly like soldering. The result is a rock solid weld so I'm good with this.

I bought a package of two of these rods. The only way I was able to get them to do what I wanted was to use Pro//Map gas and the TS8000 head. All other head/gas combinations either took too long or just would not get the aluminum to a hot enough temp. The first rod worked pretty well. But one thing I found is that (like solder) you can't just heat the metal to the right temp, remove the torch and expect the rod to flow. I could never get that to work, I had to put the rod in the flame to get it started then it would flow without the need for the torch. The second rod was a lot different than the first. It took more heat to melt and if I tried to put it in the flame it broke in pieces and didn't melt. Seems to be some quality control issues with the rods. I was able to get my project completed, but it was a pretty frustrating experience. I will try it again, just because its the only way I have to do what I need done, namely brazing two 1/4 X 1 X 6 inch pieces of aluminum flat stock.