Wanted to start a new thread to stay on topic. Is 7018 weld metal any harder to drill than 7014 and/or both are similar to drilling mild steel? Have read you can heat the weld red hot to anneal it but wonder if that's really necessary. I'm building up a wallowed out hole and have also heard the hole should be enlarged before welding so you're not drilling into the HAZ. I know Mig is used with line boring equipment and it's generally a little harder than 7018 to grind.