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What to do with broken props and engines
Posted:
Thu Mar 20, 2014 7:41 pmby voodoo1200
I have several models that I have either purchased with broken components (with the evpectation that someday I would fix them) or broken stuff myself over the years. So what to do with that stuff? Well I have found this stuff (actually two things) that can actually weld/solder aluminum components back together. First on is a aluminum/zinc mixture you can get at harbor freight or your local Snap-On dealer. This stuff is strong too...called Alumiweld....melts at about 750*, doesn't match the color of aluminum perfect but does hold things together well. The other is another aluminum/zinc mixture...melts at 350* but not as strong as the alumiweld...but matches the color of aluminum well, it comes from a company called Muggy Weld.....very expensive too. Here are a couple of projects I have done today.
Re: What to do with broken props and engines
Posted:
Thu Mar 20, 2014 7:50 pmby voodoo1200
Once welded it's just a matte of removing excess weld material and shape the part
Re: What to do with broken props and engines
Posted:
Thu Mar 20, 2014 7:54 pmby voodoo1200
Here is an MD-190 Ourangan missing the tail and Horizontal stab.
Re: What to do with broken props and engines
Posted:
Thu Mar 20, 2014 8:00 pmby voodoo1200
Here is an original Macchi 202 with a broken propeller blade
Re: What to do with broken props and engines
Posted:
Thu Mar 20, 2014 8:03 pmby voodoo1200
After cutting out the right shape in aluminum sheet, the blade weld welded into place and shaped with a file and sand paper.
Re: What to do with broken props and engines
Posted:
Thu Mar 20, 2014 8:06 pmby voodoo1200
I actually broke the entire tail section off an all aluminum F-84F and successfully welded it back on......however I wasn't sure it was going to work so I didn't take before and after pics.
Re: What to do with broken props and engines
Posted:
Thu Mar 27, 2014 11:30 amby sandmanoverhaul
So did you use a torch? The re-welds look great nice job!
Tom
Re: What to do with broken props and engines
Posted:
Thu Mar 27, 2014 1:53 pmby voodoo1200
Yes...used a propane or a butane torch......works with either one.
Re: What to do with broken props and engines
Posted:
Fri May 02, 2014 12:22 pmby sandmanoverhaul
I assume the Alumiweld has good instructions on the package. Will I need any special items such as a specific flux (like muriatic acid) or abrasion tools? Does the Alumiweld flow when heated or does it stay "chunky" as some solder is apt to do?
Still impressed by the finished projects,
Tom
Re: What to do with broken props and engines
Posted:
Sun May 04, 2014 11:35 pmby voodoo1200
Alumiweld will flow when heated to the right temp...the right temp will vary based on the type used. No specific flux needed just a clean working surface prepared with a stainless steel brush. I found that if you heat the parent metal then apply alumiweld and scratch it in with the brush....it sticks well. Practice a bit on some non-important pieces first before you move onto your project. For more fragile pieces spend the extra money and buy some of the Muggy Welding Rods, you can watch some of there videos on Youtube but don't be fooled ...it's not quite as easy as they show but does melt at a lower temp.