Welding aluminum to stainless steal

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HiI want to tack a stainless steal nut (1/2) inside an aluminum square tube.(1 1/2" x 1 1/2")I need for the nut not to come out or turn inside the tube. I was going to tig it I've got  a "Thermal Arc Fabricator 181i Would it work or should I  buy a spool gun and aluminum wireMike
Reply:You can't weld aluminum and steel together unless it is done using explosive welding.Miller Maxstar 200 SDPiperliner #10 Gold
Reply:Originally Posted by newtoweldingHiI want to tack a stainless steal nut (1/2) inside an aluminum square tube.(1 1/2" x 1 1/2")I need for the nut not to come out or turn inside the tube. I was going to tig it I've got  a "Thermal Arc Fabricator 181i Would it work or should I  buy a spool gun and aluminum wireMike
Reply:Look at rivnuts.  http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-rivet-nuts/=yr8hn6
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauYour best choice in this matter is to J-B Weld it. Otherwise, forget it.
Reply:Yes, there are some solders and fluxes that will allow you to join aluminum and stainless using a torch for heat.Miller Syncrowave 350Millermatic 252/ 30A spoolgunMiller Bobcat 225g w/ 3545 spoolgunLincoln PowerArc4000Lincoln 175 Mig  Lincoln 135 Mig Everlast 250EX TigCentury ac/dc 230 amp stickVictor O/AHypertherm 1000 plasma
Reply:Originally Posted by smilexelectricYou can't weld aluminum and steel together unless it is done using explosive welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by smilexelectricYou can't weld aluminum and steel together unless it is done using explosive welding.
Reply:http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/thr...-aluminum-Oops12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:If you have the means, find a chunk of aluminum that will fit inside the hole, drill and tap it, then tack it up.JB weld will hold it just fine for a non critical application tho.Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Originally Posted by newtoweldingHiI want to tack a stainless steal nut (1/2) inside an aluminum square tube.(1 1/2" x 1 1/2")I need for the nut not to come out or turn inside the tube. I was going to tig it I've got  a "Thermal Arc Fabricator 181i Would it work or should I  buy a spool gun and aluminum wireMike
Reply:Originally Posted by Rock knockerNot DIY
Reply:Interesting article in this months welding journal on friction stir welding of aluminum to steel.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Thanks all for the responsesI didn't think of tapping a piece of alum after tacking it insideI also didn't think of using JB Weld. Probably easier I didn't know about "rivet nuts" If I can't find any rivet nuts locally, I'll use JB WeldI'm making two legs about 4 foot long and want to have an adjustment in case I need itThanks againMike
Reply:[QUOTE=newtowelding;6246751I didn't think of tapping a piece of alum after tacking it insideI also didn't think of using JB Weld. Probably easier I didn't know about "rivet nuts" Thanks againMike[/QUOTE]That's how come your still an apprentice here.
Reply:Use floating nut plates. Rivets or countersunk bolts are used to hold them in place.You can get these in a variety of styles and I believe stainless steel also.Just an example,http://www.on-b.com/nuts/floating%20nut.aspxLast edited by danielplace; 09-02-2015 at 04:58 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by newtoweldingI'm making two legs about 4 foot long and want to have an adjustment in case I need it
Reply:There are threaded inserts made for square tubing:  http://www.jetpress.com/Products.asp...ConnectorNuts/Called "spider clips" here: http://www.apexfasteners.com/fasteners/insertsThey lock in place like an expansion anchor when the bolt is tightened. (Edit: Oops, VPT's link has the same thing.)Also, you could custom-make some wedge-type inserts if you have access to a machine shop equipment.  Make something similar to the type of insert that you see when you remove the handlebar stem from a bicycle.Last edited by Denis G; 09-03-2015 at 12:01 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by newtoweldingThanks all for the responsesI didn't think of tapping a piece of alum after tacking it insideI also didn't think of using JB Weld. Probably easier I didn't know about "rivet nuts" If I can't find any rivet nuts locally, I'll use JB WeldI'm making two legs about 4 foot long and want to have an adjustment in case I need itThanks againMike
Reply:Welding steel to aluminium can be done. (I have seen It).  But not by conventional Methods. If you can find a place with a fronius Cold metal transfer machine you may be in luck. However for those without access to advanced space age welding processes you are probably out of luck.Aluminium welded to zinc coated steel sheetLast edited by William Payne; 09-03-2015 at 09:38 AM.Gear: Esab power compact 205 with tbi industries torch         BOC Smootharc 185dc tig         Miller Syncrowave 350LX
Reply:Many of welding processes mentioned are application and geometry specific. CMT (Cold metal transfer), friction welding, etc. will not be easily adapted to this design.  Explosion welding is very expensive and brazing too complicated.If you are trying to make this for a few parts, I think the epoxy or the threaded mechanical inserts (I did not know about these till I clicked on the link in an earlier post) are your best choices. If you must weld, then would be better to use a threaded aluminum insert.  Weld the insert to inside of the tube (TIG is fine).  you can make the threads a bit more robust for wear by selectively electroless nickel plating the threaded region (prior to welding).Girishhttp://www.welding-consultant.com/Girish Kelkar, Ph.D.Independent Welding Consultanthttp://www.welding-consultant.com
Reply:My Praxair dealer has a piece of aluminum welded to some galvanized. He said they did it there at the shop. I didn't ask what process. Looked like MIG.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain