New guy with Oxy Propane question.

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Good Morning all, First off I am not a weldor by any measure. What I am is a novice hobby blacksmith and I am getting an Oxy Propane kit so I can braze and cut. I will need to do some welding for time to time but nothing that is going to last more than 24 hours. When I want to forge weld a billet together in my coal forge I would like to attach a handle to the billet. For that I cannot (far as I know) use a bronze braze since the work would fall off the handle soon as I get near to forge welding temp. Can I use a mild steel rod to attach two different kinds of steel with the understanding that this is not going to be used for anything but keeping the work from falling in the fire? Also I would like to make a BBQ smoker for my uncle and I can get someone to help with a MIG weld but I wanted to know if I can braze together a smoker? It is a pain to drag the work a hour to the guy with the MIG kit. Thanks all
Reply:Hello. Propane is not really suitable for welding. To do that you really would need to use acetylene or an electric arc process ( or forge weld the handle to your billet).If I was you, I'd keep an eye open on CL for a used AC stick welder. You can often find "off brands" like Montgomery Wards, Craftsman, Dayton, Century etc  as well as Millers, Hobarts and Lincolns for $50-150 used. These machines are transformer based units and are often built like tanks and will weld even after being heavily abused. Also they are very simple and are easy to repair in many cases even if they don't work. Try searchtempest.com to search a wider selection of CL listings. I use the term "welder" and then sort the list manually to look for deals..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:You can stick things together but it's not a proper (strong) weld. If you are just going to cut off the weld and any adjacent affected area, give it a try. To my way of thinking, it's a bit like electric welding with a bare coat hanger. I agree with DSW, and $50.- $150. is the range. Did see an old Forney for $20., a Lincoln with 75 foot leads for $125. and even Century AC/DC units for about $150. Sometimes you'll get gloves, a hood and some welding rod included."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Can't say that I disagree with you folks. I just wanted to double check. thanks all.