Barry,
Been there, done that. Aluminum works great. And best of all, it's less
expensive and easier to find than copper. I've heard that aluminum works
better at displacing the heat from the weld, lessening the chance of
surrounding panel warpage. I filled in a couple of dozen spot weld holes this
way recently on a battery box and gussets. Works terrific. The trickiest part
is getting the voltage/wire feed rate correct for the metal. But after a
little trial and error, you'll have it down. Here are links to before, during
and after photos
http://www.totallytriumph.net/spitfire/projects/filling_holes1.jpg
http://www.totallytriumph.net/spitfire/projects/filling_holes2.jpg
http://www.totallytriumph.net/spitfire/projects/filling_holes3.jpg
Take care,
Jeff McNeal (San Diego)
'67 RHD Spitfire Mk3 aka "Mrs. Jones"
'68 LHD Spitfire Mk3 project
Jeff's Classic '67 Spitfire Mk3 site & Vintage Spitfire Webring
http://www.TotallyTriumph.net/spitfire/spitfire.shtml
Join the TOTALLY TRIUMPH NETWORK!
Forums, Photos, How-To's, Classifieds, Links & Triumph Merchandise
http://www.TotallyTriumph.net
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
----- Original Message -----
From: Barry Schwartz
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Cc: spitfires@autox.team.net
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2002 9:25 AM
Subject: Plug welding holes in sheet metal.
Very soon I am will be into a project that will require I plug and refinish
some holes in relatively thick sheet metal ( approx .10 thk) What does one
use when welding (mig) to back up the hole? I was thinking of a large
block of aluminum since the steel won't stick to it and it would have
sufficient mass to prevent the metal from flowing out of the hole. This
procedure would sure make it much easier to finish the surface off since I
should only have to grind one side flat since theocratically the other side
would already be flat since the backing plate would prevent any
protrusions. Anybody already been there done that, got a better idea etc.?
Barry Schwartz (San Diego) bschwart@pacbell.net
/// spitfires@autox.team.net mailing list
/// or try http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool
|
