Aluminum Repair?

SeaDweller · 07-17-2002, 07:47 AM

What would you recommend to repair a piece of aluminum that has broken off a bracket? Welding is not an option unfortunately, so I need some kind of adhesive that will bond aluminum. JB Weld pehaps?

Porsche_monkey · 07-17-2002, 07:51 AM

I think a picture or description might be in order. ie a bracket that hold an AC compressor, or a bracket that holds a slurpee cup?

5axis · 07-17-2002, 08:09 AM

1)PBH has a good question.*
2) There are JB weld type aluminum epoxies.* I have used the Devcon plastic steel and aluminum types with some success at temporary repairs.*
3) Why not weld?* Being in Tampa there should be many prop repair shops with lots of experience welding aluminum.

Porsche_monkey · 07-17-2002, 09:05 AM

That's what I was implying, beyond the slurpee cup it should be welded.

SeaDweller · 07-17-2002, 12:00 PM

I know, I know.......I'm trying to avoid taking the damn thing apart, but I knew welding it would be the permanent solution.

Oh well, out come the wrenches........

norustscott · norustscott's Garage

I have these "aluminium" or something rods that you can "weld/solder" with. You use a propane torch and off you go. I have no idea what they are called, I bought them @ a swap meet for 10 bucks. You can build up matterial or join two parts together. Very easy to use. Anybody else know what I am talking about? If your broken part is a bracket or something I would condider using...

Rustbucket · 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by norustscott
I have these "aluminium" or something rods that you can "weld/solder" with. You use a propane torch and off you go. I have no idea what they are called, I bought them @ a swap meet for 10 bucks. You can build up matterial or join two parts together. Very easy to use. Anybody else know what I am talking about? If your broken part is a bracket or something I would condider using...

Yea Scott.

I've got them too.
I got'm from the J.C. Whitney (sp?) catalogue.
The kit came with some flux and a wire brush too.

Zendalar · 07-17-2002, 12:28 PM

Thats welding in its original state. Kinda soldering with tin but just with different material. Soldering with iron and brass is easy, but since the material you are trying to solder is aluminium, you have to have some special alloy to solder it with. Those "sticks" might be some silver alloy or like.

I have not "soldered" aluminium but I recall that it has low melting point so be very careful not to melt the whole part you are trying to "solder".

Whatever epoxy, it does not hold as good as welding.

If I were you I just would go to some metal workshop and ask if they could TIG-weld those parts you need welded. Couple bucks, most, or free.

Porsche_monkey · 07-17-2002, 01:05 PM

As a semi-welding engineer:

a) the problem with welding aluminum is the small plastic range, ie it goes from solid to liquid over a very small temperature range, which means one minute you have a bracket, the next minute you have a puddle of aluminum on the floor

b) your 'soldering rods' will not result in a strong joint, slurpee yes, engine mount no.

c) tig welding will work, but you can have a layer of beautiful looking weld and almost no penentration. (ask me how I know)

d) if possible bolt and or dowel then weld,

e) yes get the wrenches, you might also be thinking 'used bracket anyone?'

PH

RJM3 · 07-17-2002, 05:08 PM

Do yourself a favor call new technology products 877 809 8715 their pat. rods are cheap strong and easy to use propane torch is all ya need ....regards jer...ps i'll never go back to conventional...