Re: [VAC] aluminum sheet repair

[Rob Super <rms@xxxxxxxxxx>]

One of the few things I know about aluminum welding is that its 
"do-ability" varies hugely with the particular alloy. Virtually all 
commercially available aluminum ("Al")is actually an aluminum alloy: Al 
mixed with small percentages of copper, silicon, etc. Pure Al is simply 
too soft to be of much use. The alloying and tempering (another issue!) 
processes greatly affect the hardness, ductility, weldability, etc., of 
the finished "aluminum". Some alloys are quite weldable, others 
impossible. So, unless you know that you are practicing on the same alloy 
that you will ultimatly weld, you may not learn much.

Similarly, aluminum can be soldered (which was the technique originally 
raised in this thread) or brazed--but, again, only with certain alloys. 
In any case, success generally depends not only on having a weldable 
(solderable, brazable) alloy to work on, but also a clean and chemically 
shielded working surface: not just wire brushing but the appropriate 
specialized flux.

Suggested web site (usual disclaimers): "tinmantech.com".

Rob