Towertalk
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: [TowerTalk] 6061 vs 6063

To: "'jimlux'" <jimlux@earthlink.net>, "'Roger \(K8RI\)'" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] 6061 vs 6063
From: "Scott MacKenzie" <kb0fhp@comcast.net>
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:10:17 -0400
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
It also has a very soft heat affected zone - really requiring heat treatment
afterwards 

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of jimlux
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 12:02 AM
To: Roger (K8RI)
Cc: towertalk@contesting.com; TexasRF@aol.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] 6061 vs 6063


> As a rough comparison, the springy  Aluminum alloys are much like a 
> steel spring. They can be bent, but exceeding the minimum bend radius 
> (which can be quite large) will end up fracturing the material just 
> like bending a flat  coiled spring too far will cause it to break or 
> shatter at the bend.
> 
> With the advent of TIG welding, the ability to weld Aluminum has 
> become far easier. Oxyacetylene welding of Aluminum can be done, but 
> takes practice (One that I never managed to master). Even then it's 
> easy to get a "granular" weld which is not all that uncommon on 
> Aluminum tower cross braces.  The reason "Torch welding" is so difficult
with Aluminum
> is the ability of Aluminum to transfer heat.   TIG welding creates a lot 
> of heat concentrated in a small area from an electric arc.  The 
> welding rod is fed into this arc with the two making the weld 
> relatively easy to control.
> 

Aluminum is difficult to weld for another reason. Unlike steel/iron, which
turn red/orange well before they get to the melting point, aluminum melts at
a low enough temperature that you can't tell by looking how hot it is.  The
visual cues are important (and with a good TIG welder with foot pedal
control, you get good at it, at least that's what I'm told.. I'm a terrible
welder)

And, oxidation is a big issue with torch welding.
_______________________________________________



_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk

_______________________________________________



_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>