ClassicCar

I wonder if this is like "Alumiweld" which folks have been selling at Hershey for maybe 40 years. A kind of aluminum solder with very low melting point (similar to that of pot metal). It does work. But, using a pinpoint heat source like a propane torch, it is hard to get the pot metal to just the right temp to combine with the solder, without getting it TOO hot in which case it melts into a puddle! I would think that the trick is to heat the pot metal in an oven so it heats evenly, bringing it to exactly the right heat, and then apply the solder. Very tricky.

I once used Alumiweld to join an aluminum structural angle to another angle, just to see how strong the bond would be. You had to use a stainless steel brush during the operation, to remove oxidation bubbles. When I was done and the joint cooled, I whacked it with a hammer....and one leg of the aluminum angle simply bent. It was a strong joint!

The secret seems to be: the part you want to weld must get hot enough to melt the rod; don't melt the rod with your torch. Also, keep everything clean, and constantly clean the surfaces during heating, with a stainless steel brush. See this HAMB discussion: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259425