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da prez
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« on: March 19, 2020, 06:53:42 AM » |
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An aluminum welding rod that works with a propane torch. I used to aluminum weld when I worked and had the equipment. Has anyone tried this process. It's not real expensive , but this is the greatest place for info.
I will order some next week to try.
da prez
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Skinhead
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Posts: 8726
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2020, 07:26:49 AM » |
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I've seen that and would love to know if they work.
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 Troy, MI |
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h13man
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Posts: 1746
To everything there is an exception.
Indiana NW Central Flatlands
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« Reply #2 on: March 19, 2020, 08:30:40 AM » |
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I seen my father in law do this in the 80's on a refrigerator ice box repair which was aluminium. He was very good doing this as this was sideline business of his.
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John Schmidt
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Posts: 15205
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2020, 03:03:45 PM » |
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Ross, let me know how it works out cuz I'm having trouble finding a ready made box for my one-wheel trailer and may have to have one built. Trying to locate something about 14" wide, 18-16" deep, 30" long....all measurements are +/- an inch or so but length is pretty solid due to frame length. They are on Ebay but well over $200 and up, I can do that but just don't want to spend that much.  |
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da prez
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« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2020, 07:49:25 PM » |
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I just got off the web sight. The reviews were not good. I'm still pondering .
da prez
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Ramie
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« Reply #5 on: March 19, 2020, 08:05:59 PM » |
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Depends on what your going to weld with it. Anything you need a little support for a spool gun attachment for a mig is the cheapest way to weld aluminum.
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“I am not a courageous person by nature. I have simply discovered that, at certain key moments in this life, you must find courage in yourself, in order to move forward and live. It is like a muscle and it must be exercised, first a little, and then more and more. A deep breath and a leap.”
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ridingron
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« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2020, 08:45:28 PM » |
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Ross, let me know how it works out cuz I'm having trouble finding a ready made box for my one-wheel trailer and may have to have one built. Trying to locate something about 14" wide, 18-16" deep, 30" long....all measurements are +/- an inch or so but length is pretty solid due to frame length. They are on Ebay but well over $200 and up, I can do that but just don't want to spend that much. Have you considered a plastic tool/tote box? |
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JimC
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« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2020, 12:17:39 AM » |
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John,
Have you checked Harbor Freight?
They have several different sized aluminum boxes intended to fit on the front of trailers, they are even tapered on the sides.
Jim
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Jim Callaghan SE Wisconsin
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MarkT
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Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #8 on: March 21, 2020, 11:53:42 AM » |
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For a quick aluminum weld job, those rods work great. I also can weld MIG with a spool gun and TIG aluminum. The rods are quick and investment is tiny. Home Depot, Lowes stock those rods. I use MAPP gas torch for that & haven't tried propane. You need a SS brush dedicated to the purpose. It's quite easy to do and the welds are quite strong. It's actually more like brazing than weld in that the base material is not heated sufficiently to do molecular bonding like true welding does which results in a joint stronger than the base metal - so it's more like bonding two pieces with filler material like brazing does. There are youtube videos showing the process, and I saw one where he did the join then tore it apart to show the strength - it is VERY strong compared to say JBWeld. I would use it in high stress aps but not critical - not aviation strength work - wouldn't weld my hang glider with it for example. These fuel control / Rostra CC panels were joined with this process. This was my first join with it after a practice "weld". I did prettify the joint with a flap blending wheel. You could easily make an aluminum box and with care it would absolutely look very professional. However I would limit it to smaller fab projects. For bigger stuff I use the MIG spool gun or TIG. Much faster with more heat power and you can't get enough heat with propane for pretty thick parts, as aluminum is a great heat conductor so need plenty of heat. Haven't tried this with acetylene as I'll MIG or TIG instead; arc delivers much more heat. Acetylene likely would work OK with small tip and setting it not too hot, and practice. Would be easy to overheat and liquify the parts.  |
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« Last Edit: March 22, 2020, 09:07:43 AM by MarkT »
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crow
Member
Posts: 484
Toujours Pret
Citrus Co Fla
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« Reply #9 on: March 22, 2020, 03:14:57 AM » |
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Welding aluminum is not difficult, it's just different. Aluminum castings tend to be gassy and therefore need constant brushing. As Mark said the rods you are using are more like brazing. When not using oxyacetylene, I prefer an air acetylene torch. Hotter than propane. Many tip sizes. Keep it clean, clean,. Clean.
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dont write a check with your mouth,
that your ass cant cash
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h13man
Member
Posts: 1746
To everything there is an exception.
Indiana NW Central Flatlands
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« Reply #10 on: March 22, 2020, 07:14:15 AM » |
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As Mark T and others have mentioned I would use it on very low stress applications. Aluminium melts at 1200 degrees. Proper welding (TIG/MIG guns) is used for strength applications.
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da prez
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« Reply #11 on: March 23, 2020, 10:45:06 AM » |
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I have done a lot of aluminum welding when I was working. Selfish employer wanted to keep his equipment. I don't do a lot , but still custom fabricate some parts. Most is low stress. I have someone to do the heavy welding.
da prez
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rug_burn
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« Reply #13 on: April 03, 2020, 07:49:30 PM » |
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Funny- i got a pack of those rods about 40 years ago (scary) and have never used them. I gotta try them now. They always looked like a good thing.
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...insert hip saying here..
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