Originally Posted by tryn4more
Yeah, metalwork/fabrication is the shizzle. Anybody can mig weld (pull the trigger) but GTAW (tig) is a whole new adventure. Then when you get to aluminum, it’s pretty simple-but completely different than working with non ferrous metals.
I’ve heard (from some professional welders) and read what a bitch aluminum welding can be. Aluminum oxide has a much higher melting temp than pure aluminum, so everything has to be cleaned properly and kept clean. It also doesn’t change in color as it heats up, which makes working it at the right temp more difficult. Your welds look great. Very impressive. I haven’t done much welding, but I know enough to see you did an excellent job. I probably would have ended up with a glob of molten mess on the floor.
Question: would brazing be strong enough to hold the ends on such a hanger? More hobbyists could handle that than actually welding aluminum.
I remember seeing a demo from some guys selling brazing rod at a gun or gold show years ago where they brazed two stacked beer cans together. It struck me as being a sturdy bond, but I don’t know how tough it is compared to an actual weld.