Joining thin aluminium
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi,

I want to patch a couple of decent size holes (about 2" across) in the dash of the mig,its made of something close to 1mm ally sheet (possibly a fraction thinner).I have some spare material to use for patches but I know my mig will just blow it to bits.

I dont have access to a tig set and dont really want to hire (or buy an ebay cheapy) a tig with a pedal for 15 mins work.

I was thinking something along the lines of silver solder would be just the job but I could be miles off the mark.It doesnt have to do much more than stay in place and plug the holes.Any advice appreciated.

Cheers Ross.

Edited by rosco454 on 31st May, 2010.

Sliver solder wont do alu mate. Tig is the only way

Paul

I seriously doubt it!

4 rivets

Edited by minimole23 on 31st May, 2010.

Since our company started making machines with Aluminium/ Aluminium condensers, there is a 'technical procedure' to repair damaged tubes by aluminium soldering?! There is a kit for this task wich includes a special solder rod, a masking plate, flux, and full instructions. Basicaly, you can 'solder' the damaged tube with a gas flame.

I read it, and laughed for quite some time. Needless to say, I have not seen one of these kits yet, and we have replaced thousands of these condensers under warranty, due to GM Delphi using the wrong oven temperature, to braze the tubes to the headers!

What am I babbling about, well, TIG is not the 'only' way, it's the best way

Put a picture up. There might be a tasteful alternative that we can come up with.

Oh well back to the drawing board.Would have helped if I had actually read up on it beforehand at all!

Will see if I can sort out hiring a tig through work and blag a discount.

Cheers Ross.

dont forget there is TIG and there is TIG

DC and AC, and no, I do ot mean Brian Johnson

You need AC for aluminium

Edited by Sprocket on 31st May, 2010.

No, you need AC for aluminium.

ah crap, yes, I got it the wrong way round.

Cut one the perfect size for the hole then one half inch bigger and sikaflex it on from thr back. bingo.

Rick

techniweld

was good enough for the sump of my astra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jijW310xvp4

interesting stuff.

Though I always think utube stuff to be like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLDgQg6bq7o&feature=related

(disclaimer.....posted before i know, just exampeles, he he)

Check out this at 05:15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu2bq9ad0e0&feature=related

i've used the solder type stuff from ebay and i have to say it was bloody good and strong. made a neat job of it.

Techno Welding!, i used to do it in school, very simple to do.

http://www.techno-weld.co.uk/home.html