New to tig, Help me repair my boat!

[cw021382]

pics

I read the pic guide, but didn't notice where it said that the site would resize and edit your pic for you. I entered a 500kb pic and it modified it to 50kb and 800x600 for me. I edited this pic to 800x600 and 97.8kb to see if the site would lower the file size, and it did. It Lowered it to 53kb. Anyone know why it keeps lowering my file size?

[H80N]

I read the pic guide, but didn't notice where it said that the site would resize and edit your pic for you. I entered a 500kb pic and it modified it to 50kb and 800x600 for me. I edited this pic to 800x600 and 97.8kb to see if the site would lower the file size, and it did. It Lowered it to 53kb. Anyone know why it keeps lowering my file size?

Max JPEG file size here is 500KB with dimensions of 730 x 730....

according to the manage attachments window

[cw021382]

some progress

I didn't have much time to work on the boat today, but I spent a couple of hours with the hammer massaging out the big dents. It's looking pretty good so far. I didn't get any pictures today, but I will try to post some Friday or Saturday. I feel like a kid at Christmas waiting on my stuff to arrive so I can start welding.

[cw021382]

welding setup ?'s

I found this site http://maxal.com/files/QuickSiteImag...g_9-12_doc.pdf that outlines parameters for mig and tig welding aluminum. If my boat is 5000 series aluminum, as H80N suggests, it is at least 2.5% mg, and probably higher. That means I would probably want 5356 for my filler material because of its toughness right? All my welds are going to be on .100 aluminum with a root opening less than 1/8" so does this sound right? 1/8" 5356 filler, 1/8" 2% Lanthanated tungsten pointed with land, 7/16 ID gas cup, Argon at 20cfh, and amps 110-140. Let me know what you think, and any changes you would make and why. Remember the welder is a miller d165 inverter. Also after the welds are done should I do any heat treating to restrengthen the areas? If so how would I do this? I have oxy/ace torch. If anyone is looking for an extension cord I bought one off ebay from torchking for 103 shipped. It is 8/3 50' with lighted plugs. Much better than making your own and cheaper too. I had it in hand in 3 days. Very good seller

[H80N]

Yup... that guidebook should be helpful...

you might also read this thread,,

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/showthread.php?31961-4943-for-356-Aluminum-TIG-Casting-repair&highlight=4943

[FusionKing]

Use the 5356 filler on that application.
Looks like you're gonna be stripping that boat down pretty far!
Sucks taking pics of that don't it?
Hard to show what it is you are taking photos of... Either too close or something is in the way of getting far enuff back (like the trailer)
Keep us posted.
Do you have any exp. straightening metal?
That is mainly what you are gonna be doing here.

[cw021382]

Penny wise, Pound Stupid?

Hi FusionKing, I was hoping you would see my post. H80N sent me a link to your site, and I have to say I am rethinking doing this job myself. After seeing the quality of your work, tackling this repair myself is starting to seem penny wise and pound stupid! At least if I want to fish anytime soon that is. I guess I won't know until I spend some time welding scrap and see where I'm at. I ordered 2lbs of 5356 rod and some 3/32 and 1/8 lanthanated tungstens. They should be here this week and then I can start practicing. I have torn the boat down as far as possible without cutting welds, and yea it sucks trying to take pics of the damage. I don't have much exp. with body work, but I have managed to straighten a lot of the damage out with just large hammers. I haven't used heat because I read that it wasn't a good idea. How would you go about straightening out the dented areas? Any special tools? I do have a oxy/ace torch if heat is ok.

[cw021382]

$

I really liked burnt hands post Why buy it for $1 when I can build it for $100. That sums up my thoughts perfectly. I consider the skill acquired to be worth the price of admission on all my projects. Plus it's always a good excuse to buy more tools.

[FusionKing]

A lot of that straightening requires 2 people

[H80N]

A lot of that straightening requires 2 people

some 4x4 timbers wider than the beam of the boat... along with some wood blocks, ratchet cargo straps and a porta power will also be really helpful in moving things back into proper position for repair...as well..

[FusionKing]

some 4x4 timbers wider than the beam of the boat... along with some wood blocks, ratchet cargo straps and a porta power will also be really helpful in moving things back into proper position for repair...as well..

Without a doubt!