aluminum weld

Dutch445 · Apr 2, 2019

I recently acquired a 16' section of aluminum dock that had a little wind damage. i was able
to bend back the area that was damaged, but notice there are 4 support rods that the
weld has broken. i'd like to reweld these before we put the dock in for summer.

is it worth trying to use the aluminum rod with mapp gas torch for these supports?
or would it be best to bring to someone with a tig welder and have it done professionally?
(i have no welding equipment but i do have propane/mapp gas torches)

Mark @ Everlast · Apr 2, 2019

Dutch445 said:
I recently acquired a 16' section of aluminum dock that had a little wind damage. i was able
to bend back the area that was damaged, but notice there are 4 support rods that the
weld has broken. i'd like to reweld these before we put the dock in for summer.

is it worth trying to use the aluminum rod with mapp gas torch for these supports?
or would it be best to bring to someone with a tig welder and have it done professionally?
(i have no welding equipment but i do have propane/mapp gas torches)
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View attachment 598474

Get a pro. I don't think you'll get it work well.

RNeumann · Apr 2, 2019

Yah that needs TIG - for the AC balance and “cleaning” that provides alone. You don’t really stand a chance- simply can’t get the aluminum clean enough......

Dutch445 · Apr 2, 2019

thanks, that was what i was thinking, esp with it being somewhat structural.

i'll drag it on the trailer to a guy once the weather and roads clear up a bit

thanks

yomax4 · Apr 2, 2019

I agree, Just solder would be a no no. Easy fix with Mig or Tig though. There are other ways you coud fix it yourself as well but you don't want it to fail while you are standing on it in the lake. Good Luck.