Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #3527
From: <rogersda@cox.net>
Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] I welded!!!
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2003 11:13:21 -0400
To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Rusty,

> (but will it work on cast aluminum)

   If I remember correctly from my welding class (>30 ys.
past), cast aluminum needs to be preheated before attempting
to weld it.  Got a spare oven?

Dale R.



Message
Greetings,
 
Many of you will recall my past whining about not being able to weld.  I decided to buy a nice ($$$) TIG machine, and all the supplies to go with it, and I've been determined to learn how to use it. 
 
My first practice session was short, thankfully, because I got the nastiest "sunburn" you can imagine.  Lesson one, when they say don't have any uncovered skin in the vicinity of the TIG arc, they aren't kidding.  Despite the sunburn, I managed to stick a few pieces of steel together.
 
After receiving an order of the proper welding attire, I spend a couple hours Sunday setting off the fire alarm in the garage.  I spent most of my time on aluminum, and had some pretty good success.  There were also some dismal failures, but all in all, there was hope. 
 
Today, I tried to correct some problems.  Mostly, I cleaned the joint areas much better than before, and it actually all started to work like it's supposed to :-)
 
I've still got a lot of practice to do, but I'm starting to feel like I will actually be able to weld my intake when I get it ready.  I apologize to those who don't care, but I was so excited that I had to share.  Actually being able to weld something is a real milestone for me. 
 
Cheers,
Rusty (but will it work on cast aluminum)
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Rv-3b (727).jpg
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