Would you take this job?

admin

I'd like to hear from some unbiased welders on this.  I broke my mountain bike frame along a weld over the weekend, and I'm curious about welding it back together.A lot of the info on the web seems to be about TIG welding cracked frames.  This isn't necessarily a crack, so I'm not sure if it implies the same material fatigue?  Perhaps you folks can shed some more light on it?Also, would rewelding this produce a reliable frame?  I like to hit some small jumps and rocks, so there are going to be a lot of forces from all directions on the weld.If you guys think welding will produce a reliable repair, what's the best way to go about finding a qualified welder?  I read somewhere that most well qualified welders wouldn't have much interest in a quick job like this, any thoughts?Thanks in advance,Andrew
Reply:Originally Posted by vitale232I'd like to hear from some unbiased welders on this.  I broke my mountain bike frame along a weld over the weekend, and I'm curious about welding it back together.A lot of the info on the web seems to be about TIG welding cracked frames.  This isn't necessarily a crack, so I'm not sure if it implies the same material fatigue?  Perhaps you folks can shed some more light on it?Also, would rewelding this produce a reliable frame?  I like to hit some small jumps and rocks, so there are going to be a lot of forces from all directions on the weld.If you guys think welding will produce a reliable repair, what's the best way to go about finding a qualified welder?  I read somewhere that most well qualified welders wouldn't have much interest in a quick job like this, any thoughts?Thanks in advance,Andrew
Reply:I'd do it for $30 after you took all the stuff off. Not a big deal at all. The frames are typically 6061 or 6063. Where are ya from? There may be someone on here close by willing to help
Reply:Based on my new found knowledge that 5356 is stronger than 4043, is 5356 what you would use?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Check your warranty. 15 years ago, I cracked my mountain bike's head tube during a race. Rather than try to fix it, maker promptly replaced it with a higher end frame free of charge. I still have it, and still I dream of welding aluminum like that. Someday ... so no, I probably wouldn't take the jobXMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:What type of frame is it?If it's an Intense, get it welded (they won't want to help you out, been there, done that)But..Many of the bigger frame companies will either warranty it or sell you a crash replacement part for a lower price.Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:Right through the center of the weld just screams warranty work to me.  If I built something that failed like that, I'd fix it....My name's not Jim....
Reply:i agree with everyone else.....just see if the company will send you a new one or have it fixed for free...or at the very least at a discounted price....welding it might also void the warranty if there is one
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmRight through the center of the weld just screams warranty work to me.  If I built something that failed like that, I'd fix it....
Reply:Weld it
Reply:Canondale warrantied a bent frame for a guy I know, it bent in a crash, no questions asked they just shipped him a new one.
Reply:I'm not sure about aluminum, but on light gauge steel - a good weld the metal will tear at the edge of the weld, - a bad weld the weld itself will break, which is what you have, I'd get in toch with the manufacture, tell them you took it to a certified welder and the certified welder told you it was a faulty weld, you'll probabaly get a whole new swing arm for free. good luck