[TheForge] Re: cleaning up aluminum for welding

Sat Dec 22 01:54:00 2001

>>> What is the best way or method for cleaning up aluminum before
>>> welding,

>> Xylol, xylene, acetone.

> Also denatured alcohol

I have a little Al welding job to do and there's nobody around that I
trust to do it.  I have a Black & Decker grinder, vintage about 1925,
with an all cast aluminum body.  Finally had to replace the original
power cord and broke part of the hand grip.  It had been broken
long ago and welded.  The weld partially broke long ago and the break
is dirty.  Part of the break is new and clean.

Local advice is to torch weld it with some odd looking rod (of which I
was given a couple of pieces), no flux, neutral to reducing flame.

I've never done this.  The part is irreplaceable.  Any advice from
someone who's done this?  I don't have MIG or TIG.

Is there any reason why lye in hot water would be bad as a degreaser for
aluminum?  It works great on iron.

- Mike

---
Michael Spencer                  Nova Scotia, Canada 

[email protected]            
http://home.tallships.ca/mspencer/