Welding aluminum without a $900 machine

350X · 09-15-2009, 07:59 AM

Welding aluminum without a $900 machine
WOW this is crazy, seems to work great on small parts though.
Sure with enough heat it would work the same on large.
Probably need 2 torches, one for the part, one to "weld"
I know its not the best but small custom none stress load parts could be easy to get done at home. [Home made billet grille.]
this pic is crazy, thats one strong soldered "buttweld".
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=36600.msg391787

"I received my Alumaloy, and did a little trial run, using a scrap of 3/8 inch diameter by 2 1/2 inch long aluminum of unknown alloy. Using a propane torch, it didn't take very long to get the scrap up to temperature- they say 728F. I built about a 1/8 inch dome on the end. It adhered well, and polished up nicely- see pic. The color is a pretty good match, and as you can see, it is actually shinier than the base metal."

AssDragginSdime · 09-15-2009, 12:08 PM

from what ive heard its junk. ive heard that its much more difficult to use than the company makes it out to be. I dont see much of an advantage to it over oxy acetlyine welding aluminum... you can get tig like results with a torch, some aluminum filler rod, And some aluminum welding flux, Aside from being able to "build up" material easier than actually welding (because your not actually melting the metal)

***AVTekk*** · 09-16-2009, 11:03 AM

Ya ive seen this at the swap meet all the time, ill stick with my TIG hah

Speedy2222 · 09-16-2009, 11:09 AM

agreed atvtekk, the excess buildup is probably from poor penetration

350X · 09-16-2009, 11:08 PM

This is obviously for folks without access to more then a plumbers torch on roids.

If you have fancy equipment or can borrow it, of course go that route, not eveyone can though.

AssDragginSdime · 09-17-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Speedy2222

agreed atvtekk, the excess buildup is probably from poor penetration

there is no penetration. Its a brazing rod. the bond is only on the surface of the metal.

I would not suggest this stuff as a substitution for a weld tho. at least not for anything structural. I mean if your fabricating an aluminum bracket to hold your radiator in place, Then yea, thats fine, But i woudnt consider anything that takes an sort of prolonged stress. They might show a guy whacking it with a hammer, and having the piece bust outside the joint, But thats a very misguiding demonstration. Stress occours over time. That joint Will fail under any sort of prolonged stress. But like you said, for minor, ornamental shit that isnt going to be holding any weight or anything. Its definitely not bad if you cant spring the $ for a good torch set and some aluminum rods.

09-15-2009, 07:59 AM	#1
350X Matt Smith Age: 37 Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 318 Location: NW Ohio User is: OffLine	Welding aluminum without a $900 machine Welding aluminum without a $900 machine WOW this is crazy, seems to work great on small parts though. Sure with enough heat it would work the same on large. Probably need 2 torches, one for the part, one to "weld" I know its not the best but small custom none stress load parts could be easy to get done at home. [Home made billet grille.] this pic is crazy, thats one strong soldered "buttweld". http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=36600.msg391787 "I received my Alumaloy, and did a little trial run, using a scrap of 3/8 inch diameter by 2 1/2 inch long aluminum of unknown alloy. Using a propane torch, it didn't take very long to get the scrap up to temperature- they say 728F. I built about a 1/8 inch dome on the end. It adhered well, and polished up nicely- see pic. The color is a pretty good match, and as you can see, it is actually shinier than the base metal."
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-15-2009, 12:08 PM	#2
AssDragginSdime **** you Age: 23 Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 9,383 Location: from the mean streets of southington, CT User is: OffLine	Re: Welding aluminum without a $900 machine from what ive heard its junk. ive heard that its much more difficult to use than the company makes it out to be. I dont see much of an advantage to it over oxy acetlyine welding aluminum... you can get tig like results with a torch, some aluminum filler rod, And some aluminum welding flux, Aside from being able to "build up" material easier than actually welding (because your not actually melting the metal)
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-16-2009, 11:09 AM	#4
Speedy2222 Have you seen my glovebox Age: 20 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7,669 Location: Vincennes, IN User is: OffLine	Re: Welding aluminum without a $900 machine agreed atvtekk, the excess buildup is probably from poor penetration
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-16-2009, 11:08 PM	#5
350X Matt Smith Age: 37 Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 318 Location: NW Ohio User is: OffLine	Re: Welding aluminum without a $900 machine This is obviously for folks without access to more then a plumbers torch on roids. If you have fancy equipment or can borrow it, of course go that route, not eveyone can though.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-17-2009, 12:22 AM	#6
AssDragginSdime **** you Age: 23 Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 9,383 Location: from the mean streets of southington, CT User is: OffLine	Re: Welding aluminum without a $900 machine Quote: Originally Posted by Speedy2222 agreed atvtekk, the excess buildup is probably from poor penetration there is no penetration. Its a brazing rod. the bond is only on the surface of the metal. I would not suggest this stuff as a substitution for a weld tho. at least not for anything structural. I mean if your fabricating an aluminum bracket to hold your radiator in place, Then yea, thats fine, But i woudnt consider anything that takes an sort of prolonged stress. They might show a guy whacking it with a hammer, and having the piece bust outside the joint, But thats a very misguiding demonstration. Stress occours over time. That joint Will fail under any sort of prolonged stress. But like you said, for minor, ornamental shit that isnt going to be holding any weight or anything. Its definitely not bad if you cant spring the $ for a good torch set and some aluminum rods.
	[Reply w/Quote]