Aluminum Casting Repair

[Gomez]

I recently acquired a Partner cutoff saw which didn't run, but the price was right. The previous owner thought it needed a new cylinder. Upon further review, I found the casting where the magneto mounts to be broke off/

I am assuming I need to replace the entire cast part, but was wondering if it's possible to repair. I did a search and found a product called HTS2000. Kind of like brazing material for aluminum as well as other metals. There is a thread here that didn't have much good to say about it, but not from any actual users.

Thanks!

 

[RayH]

I used to see commercials all the time for Alumaloy. Seems interesting. Give it a try and report back on how well it works for ya. Alumaloy home

 

[RoyJackson]

Make your decision on how much work it will be to disassemble the machine if the brazed joint fails.
Personally, I would get it TIG welded before brazing.

 

[Bill Barrett]

Make your decision on how much work it will be to disassemble the machine if the brazed joint fails.
Personally, I would get it TIG welded before brazing.

Yep, I'm with Roy, clean-clean-clean, wipe down with alcohol. Don't contaminate the aluminum with plain wire brushes. Then TIG.
I have 600x2" aluminum welds to TIG next week.

 

[gerard]

While tigging would probably be ideal, if the part to be repaired isn't going to be under a lot of stress using the brazing stick you were talking about would work ok. I bought some at a farm show a year ago because it looked pretty versatile. (Part of the demo he pokes a hole in an aluminum can and uses the stuff to braze back over it, closing in the hole without burning through the can side). All you need to remember is to use a stainless steel brush for prep and let the heat from the metal melt the rod, not the actual torch flame. (Like soldering, heat the base metal with the torch and let IT melt the brazing rod). I used it on an aluminum shovel I had that was cracked and it's still holding. I think it's pretty useful stuff to have around if you don't have a spool gun or a tig set up.

 

[GaryM]

I just bought two packs of those same rods at the Home Show last week. I've watched the demos for a few years now and finally decided to buy.

I'm a Ham and plan to try them to attach aluminum antenna elements to aluminum booms. Should work OK.

 

[chh]

I bought 2 packs of those rods awhile back. I never did have much luck with them. I never could get it work like they guy doing the demo. I'd try tig welding it or replacing the casting if it was my choice.

 

[Bill Barrett]

I bought some of the same rods years ago, I just ran across them, may have to play with them.

 

[Gomez]

Well, the rods just arrived. I'll give it a try tomorrow and let you guys know how it goes.

 

[Gomez]

Well, I gave it a try.

I'll be going to the Husky dealer to order a new casting.