I was given a set of floats from a club member sans gear. I have bent 3/16" rod into the support structure and need to cross brace. I do not have access to a welding machine. I had read you can wrap the joint in copper wire and solder so I tried this but it failed.

First the propane torch oxides the copper quickly and so nothing will stick and the flux burnt quickly adding carbon to the mix so nothing would stick. There is too much mass for a solder gun. Also, should the copper wrap completely cover the steel underneath (so you are only soldering to copper)?

What is the correct procedure (step by step for idiots)?