brazing brass pipe to lead pipe

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I am replaceing some 1 1/2 lead drain pipe and wanted to attach 1 1/2 brass pipe over, can I braze this or mig it?
Reply:You won't be able to braze or mig it. It may be posible to solder it, but you'll have to be very careful you don't compleately melt the lead pipe. Usually I just tear out all the lead back to a copper or iron line and work from there. Failing that, rubber Fernco connectors and clamps..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:DSW,Why solder? is it because lower temperature? What could I use my new brazing rig for? thanks again
Reply:The problem is the lead pipe. Lead melts at a lower temp than the brazing rod, so the pipe will melt before you can do anything. You may be able to melt enough of the lead pipe to get it to "solder" to the brass. The temp difference between the pipe melting and the solder melting is going to be very close. Lead pipe is a PITA. About all its good for is fishing sinkers, even that is a pain, it stinks like $hit when it melts in the pot.Define "brazing rig". I have an air/acet torch kit that I use to solder pipes with. It gets way hotter than propane or Mapp gas. I have no issues doing 2" copper pipe with it, but would have a tough time with 1" using propane. It's also good for silver soldering copper lines in HVAC work. I got the torch from a woman who used it to solder gold and silver jewelry but had to move and the torch was too much hasle to pack and ship overseas.I started out with an O/A torch years and years ago. I was never all that good with O/A welding, but could braze very well. Many of the small projects I would weld now I would braze then. Most small mig carts could be brazed if you wanted. I've fixed mower handles and decks brazing. Brazing is one of the preferred methods of fixing cracked cast iron. Before I had the air/acet I used the O/A torch to solder large 3" brass fittings for lack of anything better.One of my air/acet rigs. Attached ImagesLast edited by DSW; 12-16-2009 at 04:18 PM..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:DSW, I am in envious of your knowledge, I am a finish carpenter, and have gotten the welding bug, I bought a miller sidekick for 50.00 and trying to learn the differences between air/acetylene, oxygen/acetylene, brazing and welding, I have sweat in 1/2" copper fittings with the mapp setup from home depot. Lowes has there bernzamatic mapp and oxygen kit for 25.00 so I bought one. Thanks again, Mike
Reply:DSW, How is the single tank in your picture air/acety, I thought you needed a tank of each?Last edited by awardmont; 12-16-2009 at 09:08 PM.Reason: mistake
Reply:Originally Posted by awardmontDSW, How is the single tank in your picture air/acety, I thought you needed a tank of each?
Reply:Originally Posted by awardmontDSW, I am in envious of your knowledge, I am a finish carpenter, and have gotten the welding bug, I bought a miller sidekick for 50.00 and trying to learn the differences between air/acetylene, oxygen/acetylene, brazing and welding, I have sweat in 1/2" copper fittings with the mapp setup from home depot. Lowes has there bernzamatic mapp and oxygen kit for 25.00 so I bought one. Thanks again, Mike