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Hi all,I almost exclusively use TIG welding for aluminum repairs on vehicles. I got into a niche of repairing cracks and holes in transmissions, engine blocks, etc. in position. I found that there are places where I can't get a tig torch into an area I need to repair and then have switched to aluminum stick rod. I carry a pound or so of the stuff with me for when such situations come up.I have not had to run vertical beads with stick and I have a feeling its pretty hard to do as it runs so fast and watery. I imagine it will pour out the puddle and form big hanging goobers. Is this so? Is it possible and / or recommended to run it downhill when faced with a vertical weld?I'm attaching a picture of a piece (actually two pieces) of block that needs to welded back into place. It holds the engine mount. From the pictures of where it is located on the block, I have a feeling that I will be resorting to using stick welding for part of the repair where it will be impossible to get at with the tig torch.Anyone have any experience working with aluminum rod in a variety of positions? I'd like to get a feel as to what to expect. I will run some on my bench also and see how it goes.Thanks,Tony
Reply:Will a good mig unit work, if you have a good size mig welder all you need is a spool gun.
Reply:Hi,generally speaking, these types of repairs do not allow room for bulky tools. A spool gun is too large for this repair as I will be working in somewhat tight quarters. I can see why the stick will NEVER be phased out (at least with current technology) because it can get into places where other forms will not. When I worked in the steel mills as a repair welder, several times I had to weld two rods together to make an extra long one to weld in a crevice that was otherwise inaccessible. In this particular repair I will probably have to bend the rod so that I can get it into place, another advantage of a rod over other forms. The right tool for the right job.I asked the question about welding downhill with the aluminum stick rod because it will give me a flatter bead and I could "wash" the puddle around the crack as I fill it in. Will the aluminum stick allow that type of manipulation? Anyone know?Attached is a picture of the area I will be repairing. The damage can't be seen from these shots the client sent me but it is right under the timing belt pulley. Apparently this chunk (where the motor mount bracket bolts to) broke out when the car was involved in a wreck. This is a relatively thick part and the repair is prepared like you would any thick metal crack by beveling the parts and the broken out area so that I have a "V" to fill in. I would like to run the vertical part of the repair downhill.The part with the bolt sticking up is the motor mount as it would look if it were welding in. The last shot shows that part taken out, that's where I would be welding the broken pieces back onto the block.Thanks again,Tony |
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发表于 2021-8-31 22:27:06