Talan

I came across this site that makes joining aluminum look very easy.

http://durafix.com/

And another site which sells some aluminum tubing and sheet for a seemingly fair price.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/me/index.html

My question is if anyone has used this product (Dura-Fix) and can tell me anything about it? Is their any hints or tricks I should know? Has anyone used it with any success? Does anyone have an opinion on how easy or difficult this may be to use?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

bigmodman

i have its just like soldering but with a little more heat! and you can make some beads like a roll of dimes like you can welding with this stuff.

Lumpmister

I would ask the same question on ww.rccrawler.com , some has to have tried it over there

It looks very cool though, I might have to give that a try[:-]

jmz6

Hey Talan,

I have used the durafix alu-weld rod for a few projects. It isn't too hard to work with, but it requires some thought. It is a lot like brazing and soldering where you have to "weld" the entire joint at one time, you can reheat and add to the puddle, but you have to be careful you don't let it all flow out. It does has a high surface tension, so it will make a decent puddle before it will flow. You will need heat the pieces you are welding to the same temp., it will not bond correctly if they are not. It will produce a nice joint that can be sanded or ground to match. The alu you are welding needs clean, you can scuff it up with a scotchbrite pad. Get a stainless wire brush with a wooden handle, trust me I tried the plastic one, it doesn't last long... I haven't tried welding rod together for a chassis, but I have had success with welding rod to flat plate. You will have to clamp the pieces firmly together. Other than that it just takes some time to get used to how the rod material works, and how to make do what you want. The weld material is harder than the alu you will be welding, but if you are careful it won't plug up files or grinding stones like alu does. I learned a few tricks and can give you some tips if you decide to go this route, let me know if I can help.

Here is a shot of the E-maxx diff crawler axles I made a year or so ago, they were made with the Alu-Weld rod.... They are tough axles.... Just practice and take your time, but you can get good results. Oh, and you will need a hot torch. You can use a propane torch, but you will need a turbo tip, or a fine point tip. I found that MAPP gas works better than propane, oxy-acetylene will work also but you have to control your heat or you will melt the alu.

I am thinking about making a tube chassis out of 1/4" alu rod, but I am going to wait until winter to devote the time.....
Hope this helps......

Talan

Thanks jmz6! Thanks for the advice. Great looking axles.

I decided to go for it. I will be making a tube chassis out of 1/4" aluminum tubing with a .049 or .035 wall thickness. I am not sure if I am actually going to be saving any weight with .049 size tubing versus 3/16" steel tubing with a wall thickness of .028 (brakeline) though.

Since the melting temperature is so low (732°F) I was thinking I could get away with propane, especially since the tubing I am heating is so small.

Lumpmister

Sounds cool! Lets see the build once you get going!

Talan

I should be starting this week. I will post pics of how it goes and share thoughts on the strength of the joints.

maxxdout

Is it possible to use a soldering iron to connect tubing?
I have a 70wt iron if that helps......

Thanx

Mattdg67

Yes, but solder will not connect to aluminum tubing, just brass. It won't be as strong either.

T I G

another good source of for material is onlinemetals.com

durafix looks like a great idea.

The_Lost_Otter

are there any up-dates or pics???