[TowerTalk] Info/Advice re: Exothermic Welds

[Gene Smar]

TT:

     I second Jim's recommendaton about using electrician's putty to seal 
the holes in the Cadweld Oneshot molds.  I didn't do that for the first shot 
I fired and lost most of the liquid charge into the dirt.  The second and 
all subsequent charges went well for me after I used the putty, especially 
underneath the mold where the ground rod penetrates.

     As an aside, I had expected a lot of fireworks when the shot went off. 
I was disappointed - it was mainly smoke and very little flame.  Stay 
upwind!


73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Hoge" <knowkode at verizon.net>
To: "towertalk" <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2012 5:00 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Info/Advice re: Exothermic Welds




Art,

Cadweld is one product, made by Erico. Thermoweld is another. Erico calls 
their single use products Oneshot and yes, the ceramic mold can remain after 
the fact. One shots are cheaper up front because you are not buying the 
molds and the handles. A different mold is required for each different 
application, ie: one wire #4 to ground rod, 2 wire to rod, a #2 wire to 
ground, etc. I know Thermoweld makes products for flat strap to rod or 
plate. One note on the Cadweld Oneshots- the wire openings on the molds are 
a bit oversized and weld material can run out. If you wrap the mold with 
electrician's putty, it will remain in place long enough to prevent the 
runout. The thermite weld mix lights very easily with a flint igniter. I was 
surprised the first time I used it.


73,
Jim W5QM



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