Aluminum welding...repair & customizing (recommendations needed)

[Jersey mike]

Hello all,

I'd like to reach out for some input on the above topic. We have some truck mounted glass racks that need some work done on them...repairs and customizing but I know nothing about aluminum welding, is it MIG or TIG that is best?

We are looking to hire out the work but need to know how well anyone who does the work is experienced. Since we are a shore area there are plenty of marinas in the vicinity that work with stainless and aluminum for railings, towers and the such so we may be able to find a mechanic/welder from one of these locations. Unfortunately we don't anyone to go to for recommendations right now so I hoping there may be someone here that can walk me through "interviewing" a prospective welder.

Our trucks and the racks carry a great deal of weight most of the time and our products are extremely expensive as well as dangerous should the rack have a failure causing a sheet or sheets of glass to fall. We don't need welds cracking or breaking. The racks are old but all of the factory welds are still holding and secure.

If any of this makes sense and someone can chime in I would appreciate any and all recommendations,suggestions or thoughts.

Thanks,

Mike.

[Ramie]

Not much of an expert on welding myself but I know the guys that weld in Air craft industry have been welding on aluminum for a long time and when I've needed anything aluminum welded that's where I've gone.

[Bigwolf]

TIG  for sure!  I would not trust anyone to weld it with a mig unless I personally knew them well enough to know that they were top quality welders.  Welds made with a mig can be deceiving and look a lot stronger than they are even on steel.  Aluminum is usually a bit trickier than steel when welding it.  For structural aluminum, most people find a tig easier to operate and therefore make better welds with it.  Good luck with your project.

[PJR]

You might try a good, and reputable, truck repair shop. One that does tractor-trailer repairs.

[crow]

The best process would be tig.  Aluminum is not difficult to weld, it's just different.   All cracks should be excavated, old weld removed.  Cleanliness is most important!   No oil, solvent ect.  I would use 4043 rod.  Another acceptable alloy is 5356, which is a bit stronger, however not as forgiving where cracking is a concern.   Stregnth and ductility are different, like heat and temperature.   If there is any concern about the weldors ability, ask him/ her to run a quick bead for you.

[signart]

Gussets. Talk to them about gussets.

[Robert]

Most welding shops have gone out of business and if you go into a welding shop you will know it. Most I have seen have the display of their work scattered around the shop.

 A automotive body shop that does upper end cars will know what to do and be able to help you. Along with most marinas and sign companies. If they wont do it they should be able to at least point you in the right direction.

  There are mobile welders also that know their stuff and will come right to you. They repair heavy equipment most of the time but do have various jobs and can fabricate most anything you need. The mobile welder is what most of the welders have switched to since they come to the job and its a bit more lucrative.  

  Knowing the basics of welding is not knowing how to weld and you would be much better off just looking for someone to do the work for you. If you talk to them you will get an idea of how to proceed.

[Pappy!]

If you are anywhere around the coast, N.J. has a bunch of marine T-Top welders there. Those guys are the cats meow at welding up aluminum structures that have to handle high loads offshore. Any large marina should be able to give you the name of a good one.