fiddlefixer Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 I'm not sure what exactly it is made of. I think it looks like it is cast, but even if I can braze or solder it, I don't know if I can match the patina...(kinda dark brushed finish). I thought, I could also use some sort of high strength epoxy, with an engineered rod to help. That way, heat would not risk damaging it. Any suggestions would be helpful! I need to see about putting a picture up, that would probably help me with responses! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy k Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 (edited) I have welded drawer handles succesfully, lots of them are cast ZINC. I use the tig welding process and I use ZINC rod. This is not for the newbe welder, as it takes a skilled hand to accomplish. Zinc has a low melting point and most will end up with a puddle of it on the floor before they know it. Without "seeing" it - it's hard to say what actual mat'l it is though. Yes you will damage the patina or coating that is the factory coating - nothing can be done with or about that. Most of the ones I've done are not replaceable or they didn't want to change out all of them to a new or different style. - Just my info - if it's helpfull - JK Edited May 2, 2009 by jeremy k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted May 2, 2009 Share Posted May 2, 2009 Many of the decorative hardware items are made of a zinc/ aluminum alloy similar to that used in automobile interior hard ware. As said it has a very low melting point just a few degrees higher that a lead alloy. Using a zinc rod is a previously said the only way to attempt it. You might get buy with one of the "aluminum" welding rods sold for patching screen doors and the like. They use a small propane torch to do the "welding" You will definitely froch the finish . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBrann Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Epoxy might be the best route, and you can mix brown oil based stain and clear oilbased polyureathane to match the patina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiddlefixer Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 Thanks everyone. I do still have some "Alladin?" rods for aluminum, am I remembering correct that I would use a slightly carbonizing flame, and back it up with some copper? I probably will use the epoxy, w/ touch-up for this one. I would hate to melt away any of it. Thanks again, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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