A propane torch and solder just wont do the job. Neither will an acetylene torch and a braze with brass rod on, most likely, thin wall tubing without reinforcement with more metal.
While I agree with welding it yourself, a reasonable weld (that has some strength) is not something everyone can do without practice (lots of practice) . First time welders just don't get penetration -- or they blow right through the base metal. Of course there are those first timer welds that look like bird droppings too
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One of your friends may have a MIG welder that can fix this or a welding shop will do it for very little cost, also with a MIG or if you want to get fancy, a TIG welder. I have to say that my little hobby shop MIG welder has paid for itself many times over - but I also took lessons to make good strength welds.