Alumniweld

[DavenLC]

Anyone have any luck using these Aluminum Brazing rods to patch holes in the pontoon tubes/hull?
If so, what did you do to get it to work?

 

[sschefer]

Re: Alumniweld

It can be done but you must follow the instructions to the letter. You also need to be very mindful of your heat. There are two ways to measure the heat. The first is with a heat crayon and the second using Acetylene soot. You can't reliable check the temp on aluminum with an infrared thermometer.

If you do not exceed 732 degrees you will lessen the chance of shrinking and warping the Aluminum on your toon. The Aluminum on a toon should be 5000 series hardened aluminum. You can weld that much more efficiently with either MIG or TIG. The stuff you're using is targeted for use on 6000 series Tempered Aluminum.

 

[DavenLC]

Re: Alumniweld

I tried pacthing holes yesterday with that stuff using the blue bottle propane, then MAP gas... could not get it to stick at all. Made a sheild, since I was outside with cardboard to prevent the wind from interfering as well. I then broke out my small gas forge propane burner to try. no luck there either. I do have a couple of welders coming this afternoon for estimates.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Alumniweld

I bought some of that alumiweld years ago and couldn't get it to stick to anything. It had a money back guarantee. I returned it probably 20 years ago and hopefully the check is in the mail

 

[DavenLC]

Re: Alumniweld

I did try that stuff on some scrap pieces before I went out to the boat.. that scrap test did work. thinking about making a ski-tow pole thing with it.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Alumniweld

Use a REALLY long rope, I am pretty sure that isn't intended to hold a load but just to fix leaks and would be really careful trying to make a tow pole, they put up with a tremendous amount of stress, maybe get your parts made and find an actual welder to put it together.

 

[DavenLC]

Re: Alumniweld

I thought as you did, but after I saw a few videos about it on YouTube. I was a little amazed..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMADiAMfe00

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: Alumniweld

Yea, I was taught to braze aluminum about 30 years ago. Toughest thing I ever did in that class. I hope the materials are better today.

I'd TIG weld it myself.