Gallery, Projects and General > How do I??

options available for joining Aluminium tube?

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RipSlider:
Hello folks.

i was wondering what options I have for joining aluminium tube together? I am thinking of a space frame and some metal widgets which would form the body of a fast model boat, and Ali tube would seem like a good proposition as far as weight savings go.

However, that brings with it the ever present issue of how to actually join the metal together.

It would seem I have - or to put it more accurately - that I can *think* of - the following methods available:

1- screw/bolt etc. strong I guess, but a pain in the backside to do on an entire frame.

2- weld - would be very strong, and can borrow the right kit, but supposedly a very skilled task.
2b- weld and pay for it - would be strong and well made, but defeats the "I made this boat myself" concept....

3- that "aluminium solder" stuff - this seems sort of OK to use, but I have no idea how strong it is, and only seems to make fillet joins, does not seem to wick into joints.


I guess my other options are something more exotic - plasma welding etc - ut that would also have to be paid for - or to use a different metal.

Were I to use steel, how would I measure - or read about - the difference in wall thickness and strength. For example "22swg steel tube is about as strong as 18swg ali tube"...

Any other thoughts/materials/joining idea's? Anyone use the "aluminium solder" in high stress enviroments?

Many thanks indeed.

Steve

John Hill:
Possibly a daft idea but what about drill holes and 'sew' it with stainless wire then lock the joints with the 'solder stuff'?

Brass_Machine:
I have used the aluminum solder a few times. Takes a little practice to use at first, though it works fairly well.

Video link of the demo. I think it should suffice for a model boat frame.


Eric

Bernd:
Steve,

Mechanical fasterners in aluminum with what you want to do, I would say that they may loosen up after a while.

As Eric, I have tried the aluminum solder. I couldn't get it to work very well for me.

TIG welding is about the best option for aluminum joining. Using steel tubing would make the boat extra heavy.

Also I'm still trying to picture how you keep the fame separete from the hull. Got any pics of a model or real boat with this type of system? Or are we at a language barrier here again on the topic being disscused?

Bernd

SPiN Racing:
I THINK.... you could braze it with a torch.
Im not sure on the method only cause I have little experience brazing.. but I know the race shop brazes all sorts of thigns together on some of the older race frames they get restore jobs on.
But I think we would need a better expert opinion on that.  Brom what I have seen, brazing is very much like soldering. Just a lot hotter.

I believe hey make rods for brazing aluminum...

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