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  #1  
Old 03-23-2009, 01:03 PM
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Don Jones Don Jones is offline
 
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Default To Weld or Not?
I am getting ready to fab the aileron push rods and was interested if anyone had tig welded the aluminum tube? I have found lots of info on welding the 4130 tubes, just not any on the aluminum. If they are weldable (I have not checked). I have a TIG machine and have no problem doing it if it is acceptable, otherwise I will just rivet them.
Any info?
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  #2  
Old 03-23-2009, 01:26 PM
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Never mind....

edit: I didn't read close enough...........because it's the shorter steel rods that I had welded. It's very easy to rivet the larger diameter aluminum rods.



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Last edited by L.Adamson : 03-23-2009 at 02:49 PM. Reason: make changes
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Old 03-23-2009, 01:49 PM
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Weldable depends on alloy. Check the markings on the tube. If unsure, don't weld.

Common alloys, tig or gas:

1100, 3003, 5052, 6061, yes.

2024, no

Keep in mind you lose the existing heat treat. For example, 6061-T6 becomes 6061-0.
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Old 03-23-2009, 02:03 PM
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Dan,

You are right I'm sure, but just wanted to mention that (unless my memory fails me) the plans do explicitly state that welding is an acceptable option for the steel pushrods between the ailerons and the aileron bellcranks. I had mine welded just because I knew a guy who could do it.

Agree that the aluminum pushrods should all be riveted per plans.

cheers,
mcb
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Last edited by mburch : 03-23-2009 at 02:22 PM.
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  #5  
Old 03-23-2009, 02:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Jones View Post
I am getting ready to fab the aileron push rods and was interested if anyone had tig welded the aluminum tube?
Those are very easily riveted. I would not deviate from the plans on the aluminum push tubes.
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  #6  
Old 03-23-2009, 02:48 PM
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L.Adamson L.Adamson is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mburch View Post
Dan,

You are right I'm sure, but just wanted to mention that (unless my memory fails me) the plans do explicitly state that welding is an acceptable option for the steel pushrods between the ailerons and the aileron bellcranks. I had mine welded just because I knew a guy who could do it.

Agree that the aluminum pushrods should all be riveted per plans.

Yes, somehow the aluminum part skipped my brain. It was the shorter steel rods that I had welded. I have ammended my reply.

cheers,
mcb
Yes, somehow the aluminum part skipped my brain. It was the shorter steel rods that I had welded. I have ammended my reply.
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