Soldering and Brazing are very similar processes, in fact the difference between the two is that brazing takes place at temperatures over 450 deg C and soldering takes place below this temperatures. In both cases, a filler metal is melted into the joint between the two parts to connect them, the parts themselves remain unchanged.
Soldering is manly used to join parts in electronics, jewelery and plumbing. The main benefit is that the solder materials usually has a low melting temperature so the parts won't get too hot in the process. This can be especially important for electrical components which may be damaged by too much heat.
Solder materials are usually an alloy of Tin and other metals such as zinc or aluminium depending on what is being joined. Most solders these days are 'lead free' because of the health hazards associated with breathing lead fumes.
Advantages of soldering:
Disadvantages of soldering:
Be assured he is not using Cider despite what it sound like...
Brazing requires hotter temperatures than soldering because of the filler material used which is most commonly alloys of aluminium or copper . Unlike welding however, it does not involve melting the parts themselves. Instead, the filler material is drawn in between the parts by capillary action where it forms the bond. The parts must be close fitting or the material will not flow, flux is also required to ensure the joint is clean and that no oxides form during heating.
Advantages of Brazing:
Disadvantages of Brazing: