Alumiweld, welding aluminum [message #268668] |
Thu, 01 January 2015 22:38 |
Ray R.
Messages: 26 Registered: December 2014 Location: Ladysmith, WI
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Has any one ever used Alumiweld brazing rod for aluminum. I picked some up from HF to patch screw holes in upper coach.
The PO had put 4 snaps around each window to hold window covers in place. I may be sorry but I plan on discarding the covers and need to remove the snaps from the body to prevent leaks. I will have the interior panels removed for insulation installation and now would be an ideal time to aluminum braze the holes shut. I saw some U-tubes on using the rods and was impressed. It melts at 750F, 390C. I hope to use a butane torch. I can get something hotter if I need to. I also plan checking the roof for unwanted holes before replacing the ceiling. I will need to remove the insulation from around the work areas. Is there something else that would work? JB weld?
Currently, it is not Ideal working conditions. 1 foot of snow on the coach, snowing and 3 degrees F below 0 tonight.
Thanks,
Ray R.
Ray R. 76 Edgemonte 26, 455. Refurbishing for fulltiming, Ladysmith, WI
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Re: [GMCnet] Alumiweld, welding aluminum [message #268670 is a reply to message #268668] |
Thu, 01 January 2015 23:04 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446 Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Ray,
You do not need to use an aluminum brazing rod to patch any screw holes in your coach. You will cause more damage than you're going to fix. Prepare the area to be repaired by sanding everything flat to the surface, I use JB Weld to fill the holes and then sand smooth and prime and paint. Using heat to repair can cause the aluminum to warp, blister the paint both inside and out and cause some fire issues.
or
http://tinyurl.com/qahkmrc
Standard JB Weld works just fine also!
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
> On Jan 1, 2015, at 11:38 PM, Raymond Radwanski wrote:
>
> Has any one ever used Alumiweld brazing rod for aluminum. I picked some up from HF to patch screw holes in upper coach.
>
> The PO had put 4 snaps around each window to hold window covers in place. I may be sorry but I plan on discarding the covers and need to remove the
> snaps from the body to prevent leaks. I will have the interior panels removed for insulation installation and now would be an ideal time to aluminum
> braze the holes shut. I saw some U-tubes on using the rods and was impressed. It melts at 750F, 390C. I hope to use a butane torch. I can get
> something hotter if I need to. I also plan checking the roof for unwanted holes before replacing the ceiling. I will need to remove the insulation
> from around the work areas. Is there something else that would work? JB weld?
>
> Currently, it is not Ideal working conditions. 1 foot of snow on the coach, snowing and 3 degrees F below 0 tonight.
>
> Thanks,
> Ray R.
> --
> Ray R. 76 Edgemonte 26, 455. Refurbishing for fulltiming, Ladysmith, WI
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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Re: Alumiweld, welding aluminum [message #268671 is a reply to message #268668] |
Thu, 01 January 2015 23:31 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547 Registered: March 2007 Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Ray R. wrote on Thu, 01 January 2015 23:38Has any one ever used Alumiweld brazing rod for aluminum. I picked some up from HF to patch screw holes in upper coach.
The PO had put 4 snaps around each window to hold window covers in place. I may be sorry but I plan on discarding the covers and need to remove the snaps from the body to prevent leaks. I will have the interior panels removed for insulation installation and now would be an ideal time to aluminum braze the holes shut. I saw some U-tubes on using the rods and was impressed. It melts at 750F, 390C. I hope to use a butane torch. I can get something hotter if I need to. I also plan checking the roof for unwanted holes before replacing the ceiling. I will need to remove the insulation from around the work areas. Is there something else that would work? JB weld?
Currently, it is not Ideal working conditions. 1 foot of snow on the coach, snowing and 3 degrees F below 0 tonight.
Thanks,
Ray R.
Ray,
I am a very competent welder and have been for many years.
If it were my coach, I would avoid welding on the aluminum skin up until I ran out of every other choice.
The problems is very simple, that welding rod will do a find rob to close a small hole in something like an aluminum radiator. (BTDT) But the shin thickness of the sides and roof of the coach will make control of the required temperature very difficult and outside - in the moving air - you won't have a snowball's change.
With an HF start TIG, Maybe....
You will probably meld the filler rod alloy when the skin is still too cold to get a true weld going and you will find out that you did not get a good weld when it leaks water......
Go with JBWeld or the like. Use a ball pein to make a depression around the hole and sand it so you have clean and course metal.
Then there is my standing curse.. If I am welding on a complete vehicle and I don't have someone standing by, I will set something I can't see aflame......
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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Re: Alumiweld, welding aluminum [message #268676 is a reply to message #268671] |
Fri, 02 January 2015 00:28 |
Ray R.
Messages: 26 Registered: December 2014 Location: Ladysmith, WI
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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All,
Thanks for all the tips. You have confirmed my doubts about using the product. A cold Epoxy of sorts makes more sense for this application. A lot safer also. I usually work alone without a spotter so I restrict my stick welding to a safe isolated area.
Thanks again.
Ray R.
Ray R. 76 Edgemonte 26, 455. Refurbishing for fulltiming, Ladysmith, WI
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