Gasflux and Harris LFB....any difference?
 

Henry James sells gasflux lfb for $17lb, I can get Harris for $9. Is there any difference other than the $8?

thanks, Brian

harris is usually good stuff, my LBS sells repackaged generic. There are definitely differences in LFB though. The difference between Cycle Design and Gasflux is pretty stark even though the gasflux stuff is pretty good. I think Gasflux is made in Brazil now, used to be drawn 10 miles from here.

This is from the Cycle Design site, since you've used the product do you agree with the claims, especially regarding lower temp? Not really "very low cost" from what I find.

thanks, Brian

Bohemian/Cycle Design LFB and Flux

We are proud to announce that due to the overwhelming success of the Brazage Stainless Steel System, Developer Fred Parr and Master Framebuilder David Bohm have successfully improved a new Low Fuming Bronze and a companion flux after more than two years of research and development.

1) The first and most notable improvements are the creamy white paste flux and companion powder version having the following characteristics: The flux is easy to apply, does not bubble or flare and soaks off like silver flux in warm water

2) Both the rod and the flux allow for steel joining at temperatures much lower than previous products.

3) The third advantage is that the alloy compound in the rod and the formulation of the flux allow for a very low cost of these products, comparable in cost to much less effective products from other companies.

4) Due to increased flux activity and flow agents and flow and adhesion agents in the rod, joining of thin wall cycle tubes can be done very rapidly with superior results. The rod is extremely ductile and presents no issues of hardness and is extremely easy to emery or file.

I have no way to really evaluate that, but it's funny you should ask that question. Last night when I was trying to make a tower, I got the tube up to a very light red and thought I should test to see if it was hot enough even though I didn't think it was. It actually was. So I'm going to say that verifies the temperature claims to some extent. I'll have to try the gasflux and no-name to compare. The no-name flows like crap, I hate it. Probably will make good towers.

I really like the Cycle Design LFB, worth getting.

Some time ago I ordered the Gasflux rod directly from Gasflux and it was cheaper than that? I think AirLiquide distributes it now.

FWIW, I've used SIF, Gasflux, Harris and the no-name rod from aircraft spruce. They all felt similar and flowed fine. I could tell the SIF rod smelled different during brazing, though :)

I forgot to ask about this from cycle design point #1:" does not bubble or flare". I've been getting sort of a greenish flare from the Gasflux type B flux, is this just the nature of most fluxes? There's no flare with the cycle design as they state?

thanks, Brian

on edit: I have some cycle design flux and have never opened it. I'll try it tonight. Flare is pretty common, that's why I use/recommend ACE glasses. Didymium glasses work too.

I think there are a limited number of companies that draw brazing rod and so the no-name stuff will occasionally come from a decent source. The problem people have is that it can come from a bad source too. The stuff I have have is from the generic brazing/welding rod rack at the LWS, and I don't think it even has a brand.

The green flare is pretty typical of brass fluxes. I haven't tried the Cycle Design flux, though.

The flare is mostly there during pre-heating and most of the time it's hardly an issue. Once you are up to temp the flux is translucent and the major glow is from the flame and perhaps the red hot steel.

I was just using borax powdered flux, and it has noticeably more flare than either gasflux or the Cycle Design flux. Don't know that I have the latest Cycle design flux, but I suspect I do