aluminum weld

[Dutch445]

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]

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)
View attachment 598473

View attachment 598474

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

 

[RNeumann]

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]

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]

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.

 

[metalbender]

Items like that are probably spool gun welded. Mass production requires more speed than tig, a pretty quick repair after the cleaning.