Aluminum welding

[freedrift]

I am going to try my hand at making some acc. for my boat. I had decided to use rivets to assemble the pieces, then I remembered something that I had seen on ebay and at the boat show. They were sticks that when used with a propane torch would weld aluminum. Has anyone ever seen or used these? will they even work for something like this?

[SpinDoctor]

I seen those about two years ago at the Clark County Fair, looked easy anuff, be the first too try it and let us know how it goes. Just dont trust your life or fishing pole to it untill your sure it will hold. if you find it sold localy post where and ill be happy to try it first. good luck

[BM-FISHER]

I have used these they dont work well they make it look so esay I am very technical and I have tried it a few times just doesnt work like they do it. They sure have a good sales pitch . My 2 cents hope this helps. good luck with your project. :shrug:

[JeepMcMuddy]

The two main "Aluminum repair rods" are:

http://durafix.com/

and

HTS 2000 (http://www.aluminumrepair.com/aluminum_repair.htm)

I have tried the durafix with mixed results. I took 3 years of welding in High School, but I couldnt get a clean strong joint with this product, even using MAPP gas which burns hotter than propane. I have not tried the HTS 2000, but they have a video available to watch and actual repair done with them. They go on to hit it with a hammer and it breaks, but the joint holds firm. Here is the Vid:
HTS video (http://newtechnologyproducts.net/login/main.asp)

I ended up finding a good Welding Shop here in town to get my small jobs done, at least until I break down and buy some welding gear again...

Good Luck, let us know if you try one of these or another product out.

[freedrift]

Thanks for the help fellas. I think I will get some cheap material to try it on first. Diamond plate isn't cheap, I don't want to waste it. I guess if it comes to I can always get all the stuff ready and just have somebody weld it for me. :cheers:

[Seahare]

The durasticks, Alladin 3 in 1 rod, and the others all share one thing in common, They DO NOT WELD the parent metal. Its a soldering process which is a bond and not a weld. The Bond is an adhesion. A weld is one in which the parent metal is MELTED together with the added rod.

[Flush Release]

Thanks for the help fellas. I think I will get some cheap material to try it on first. Diamond plate isn't cheap, I don't want to waste it. I guess if it comes to I can always get all the stuff ready and just have somebody weld it for me. :cheers:



If you decide to have it welded don't attempt using the solder as it REALLY creates mass problems when it is Arc welded.