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document updated 4 months ago, on Jun 18, 2024

heating methods

Wikipedia's page on adiabatic flame temperature is very useful.

oxy-acetylene torch

Unfortunately the only place I have to use this torch is at home, where acetylene is really not a good idea.

oxy-MAPP or oxy-propane torch

These are much safer than acetylene. However, most people online say that these don't generate the higher temperatures that brazing really needs [2]. It does work in some situations, but there are a lot of limitations:

"The problem with the larger, cooler flame common to standard air-Mapp gas rigs is: Not only is it limited to brazing smaller components and smaller copper tube sizes, but it takes longer and results in more heating of the surrounding area, which does more damage to heat-sensitive parts."

Oxy + MAPP can reach around 2925°C / 5300°F.

propane forge

Simple propane forges can sustain temperatures of 980-1200°C / 1800-2200°F for long periods of time.

induction heater

This definitely seems more friendly to the home hobbyist.

In 2023, it seemed like this same handheld design, around $200, was sold under many different brands.

heat-treating kilns

These can heat materials at an even temperature for a long time.

Downsides — they're pricey, they're sometimes only big enough to heat-treat knives, and they often need a 240 volt hookup.

They tend to max out around 1200°C / 2200°F.

oxy-hydrogen torch

See my separate page about this.

electric arc furnace

Yes, this is absolutely crazy. But still, it's possible.

If you had an expensive capacitor bank, you might be able to really crank up the heat.

thermite

See my separte page about this.

The upside — powdered aluminum + iron oxide can reach a temperature of 2862°C / 5183°F. Having that much heat available in a relatively safe-to-store format is really nice.

The downside — While it is sometimes used for welding, it's a pretty uncontrollable reaction, in terms of hitting a specific temperature and holding it there. It's also usually described as a "violent" reaction, because it tends to spit molten blobs of metal in the surrounding area.