[TowerTalk] [Bulk] Re: welding aluminum

[mike repinski via TowerTalk]

 Did he drink the beer before welding:)

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Grant Saviers <grants2 at pacbell.net>
To: EZ Rhino <EZRhino at fastmovers.biz>; towertalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Sat, Jan 31, 2015 11:23 am
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] [Bulk] Re:  welding aluminum


I agree that "loss of temper" is low on the concerns list for amateur Al 
welding.

Having a MIG or TIG welder capable of welding Al is a lot different 
(speaking from my failures) than having the skill to make structural 
grade Al welds.    It also takes professional grade and high amperage 
equipment given the conductivity of Al.  My Miller Econo-TIG (and me) 
weren't good enough for 14ga 6061, I sold it.  I have complete 
confidence in my MIG steel welds.

It sounds like the 33'x40' H frame design is tube to tube structural 
welds and that may need a professional.  Otherwise, consider Al plates 
and galvanized u-bolts like most element to boom clamps, which also has 
the advantage of it can be taken apart for repairs, etc.  Phillystran 
guys are probably required for that large of a frame.

I very much enjoyed watching a welder demonstrate the latest HF pulse 
TIG Miller welder as he welded together Coors cans.  I think that is 
0.004" thick Al.  The Olympics of welding for sure.

Grant KZ1W

On 1/31/2015 7:49 AM, EZ Rhino wrote:
> This topic is being over-analyzed, as usual.  It's not rocket science!  We're 
talking about an amateur radio project here, not building a space shuttle.  
There are towers made of aluminum, with welded cross bracing, so I guess that 
means all aluminum towers are structurally flawed?  Not a chance.
>
> My mountain bike has carbon fiber tubes and an aluminum rear triangle, bottom 
bracket, and headset.  The aluminum and carbon are joined with epoxy.  It 
produces great results, as if all components are one piece and the entire bike 
is very stiff.  MANY aluminum bikes are also TIG welded; just go into a bike 
store and take a look.
>
> Aluminum is welded in thousands of structural products.  As long as things are 
designed with the right materials and design, loss of temper is the last thing I 
would be concerned with.
>
> Chris
> KF7P
>
>
> On Jan 31, 2015, at 6:21 , Jim Thomson wrote:
>
> Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2015 1:47:09 -0500
> From: <caraj at cox.net>
> To: Jim Thomson <jim.thom at telus.net>, towertalk at contesting.com
> Cc: caraj at cox.net, k2sfs73 at gmail.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] welding aluminum
>
> Jim:
> What's the name of this super duper glue in the US.
>
> Thanks,
> John, K2SFS
>
> ##  Dunno. I should phone them up and ask.   I googled it and found
> varying info on the subject.   If its not too expensive, I should get some,
> just to experiment with.
>
> Jim  VE7RF
>
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