[Heathkit] Apache or Warrior panels

[rbethman]

John,

Using EITHER Mig or Tig welding methodology would VERY likely cause 
warpage.  The reason is the concentration of heat in particular areas.

One way too deal with this would be heat treating the panel AFTERWARDS.  
Welding aluminum causes almost immediate expansion due to its 
properties.  It coefficient for heat expansion is pretty high.

To use one of those panels, consider using a hardening body filler.  You 
can always cut a piece of aluminum screen to occupy the hole, the apply 
the body filler, IF you are having issues with RF.

There is of course the possibility that welding being difficult because 
we do NOT know what specific alloy of aluminum was used.  Most likely it 
varied widely.

Another thing to think about, plug welding WITHOUT a backing plate 
increases the difficulty.  The individual performing the welding would 
be trying to build up the weldment by adding molten metal to the edge of 
EACH hole to bring the hole to a close.

Bob - N0DGN

John Hensley wrote:
> Has anyone been successful wire welding hole inserts into the Apache 
> or Warrior panels in order to reuse them for another purpose?
>
> I'm familiar with filling unwanted holes with various compounds and 
> then refinishing to give the "appearance" that the panel is solid. 
>  I'm curious if in a project anyone has taken one of these 3/16" 
> panels and been successful reclaiming them with wire welding ?  Part 
> of the interest is to find out if they can take the heat without warping.
>
> I'm getting ready to build a homemade KS-1 power supply and will be 
> using an old Apache cabinet to house it in.  By the way, if anyone has 
> the same project on their "to do" list, Harbach is geared up to 
> reproduce the original plate transformer.  If a few builders could be 
> found, we might be able to get a better price on the xmfr.
>
> TIA, John
>
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-- 
Bob - NØDGN