Expert: Rex Ransome - 12/18/2007

Question
Hello Rex, I recently acquired a Kosmos-Brenner desk lamp, It has a brass base/fuel tank and off course glass chimney and decorative shade. The fuel tank has 4 hairline cracks running top to bottom about 1 to 2 inches apart. Daylight can be seen from inside the tank when the burner is unscrewed. How can I effectively repair this with out going beyond the cost of the lamp? I know a metal foundry or shop might help, or could one us auto fuel tank sealant for leaky gas tanks? It is a liquid and seals by coating the inside of the leaky tank?  Any advice is appreciated!  Thanks

Answer
If it brass, and the cracks aren't too wide, then it can be repaired with lead solder, plumber's flux, sand paper, and a small hand torch (propane tank). clean the brass with sand paper or steel wool; brush flux on all the cracks; heat it slowly with the torch and keep trying to melt the lead on the cracks until it is just hot enough for the lead to ooze. Don't overheat it. If you can't do it yourself, a plumber will know how and will have the supplies to do so. Thanks