Gouges in aluminum

Tanner · 03-10-2006, 01:21 PM

I had a mishap with my boat and now have some decent sized gouges in the aluminum (read deep scratches). Can anything be done to repair these. I am considering turning it in as an insurance claim.

bassin · 03-10-2006, 01:30 PM

PM sent

pugetplunker · 03-10-2006, 02:32 PM

tig weld and grind and polish

Bait O' Eggs · 03-10-2006, 02:45 PM

I have a number for a fire/water restoration company, maybe they can do some aluminum repair also

That Motion Marine should fish just fine with a few scratches.

At least if you leave these, the next ones wont hurt so bad

Tanner · 03-10-2006, 03:09 PM

Quote:

have a number for a fire/water restoration company, maybe they can do some aluminum repair also

Their too busy right now to do any work for me. Hey, you're a good tinkerer,,,, Maybe I can get you to fix it for me??????? :tongue:

As yet un-named · 03-10-2006, 03:11 PM

Those are just beauty marks man. I'm not sure I'd be all fired up to tig 'em and grind 'em unless you're worried that your hull is scratched almost through. I think welding the aluminum hardens it (the heating action) around the repair and may or may not actually make it weaker in that spot?

TheRogue · 03-10-2006, 03:20 PM

0

pugetplunker · 03-10-2006, 06:08 PM

sorry maybe i jumped the gun.i dont know how deep the scratches are. if they are deep enough to be of concern tig or gas tungsten arc welding will fill the imperfections with minimal distortion to the surrounding area(its not like high amp wire feed)but you must use the same or compatable rod

Green Machine · 03-10-2006, 06:39 PM

Where are they at? Is it a cosmetic thing or structural? I had some diamond plate welded to cover anchor dings and other dents. (Similar to what you now see on Super Vees and Willies around the bow)

Green Machine

wishin · 03-11-2006, 09:53 AM

If just cosmetic, you might get away with polishing out the scratches to remove the burrs and sharp edges. Kind of blend it in, so to speak. We have used a product available at most welding supply stores with good success. It is a scotch-brite type of pad for use on an air die-grinder. Not the aggressive grit of a sanding tool, but will remove some burrs and ridges while polishing. Still have to be careful with it. Has worked well for me in vintage motorcycle restoration, and on my aluminum boats. And, as with all aluminum work, eye protection is a must, cause the docs can't just fish the particle out of your eye with a magnet - don't ask me how I know!
wishin

SLEDDER · 03-12-2006, 07:18 AM

Depending on location of gouges I may be able to TIG weld them. I am getting a finger amp control for my TIG torch. This allows me to get into more areas as compared to a foot amp control. I also have a pnuematic die grinder with abrasive pads to clean up the weld after filling gouges. I am located in Oregon City. I moved since you purchased the 30-06 for your son.

bassin · 03-13-2006, 08:58 AM

That was un called for. But it's all better now.
I PM Tanner early on.

Tanner · 03-14-2006, 10:02 AM

Thanks everyone for your replies. I have the boat at Motion Marine now for some other work and am waiting to see what they say they can do with it. If I still need anyones help I will contact you.

Thanks again,

Tanner

bassin · 03-14-2006, 10:08 AM

Best of luck to you. I know how you feel, been there, done that.

SR1 5 · 03-15-2006, 05:44 AM

I filled a deep gouge in my boat with some epoxy stick made for aluminum. It has been about a year and has not chipped or fallen out although the color of the epoxy is darker than natural aluminum so I'm not sure it looks any better than before I repaired it.