wwwfc666

Active Member

• Feb 15, 2016

• #1

Hi
Has anyone had any experience trying to spot weld Aluminium ?
I'm soon looking to repair various sections of my series tub, with 5083 grade Ali. (Could just buy new panels pre formed, but fancy trying to make some out sheet Ali)
I know it's easier to rivet/bond etc but would really like to spot weld it.
I've heard talk of using 2 bits of steel either side the spot welder to increase resistance ?
Surely , in this day age of high tech, there must be a relatively easy way to achieve this?
It's new aluminium so a quick clean up should help.
Any ideas please. Ta.

 

chris7

Well-Known Member

• Feb 15, 2016

• #2

You need a lot of current to spot weld Aluminium
The spot welder will need to have an inverter
Such spot welders are far more expensive than those for welding mild steel.
But they give a respectable weld.

 

liam_italian

Member

• Feb 16, 2016

• #3

Have a look at this

 

chris7

Well-Known Member

• Feb 16, 2016

• #4

Interesting!
But using ones hands to test the strength of a weld
Isn't really adequate

 

wwwfc666

Active Member

• Feb 16, 2016

• #5

chris7 said:

Interesting!
But using ones hands to test the strength of a weld
Isn't really adequate

Click to expand...

Cheers
Good vid. Would be nice to do some tests see if the weld was strong

 

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

• Feb 16, 2016

• #6

wwwfc666 said:

Cheers
Good vid. Would be nice to do some tests see if the weld was strong

Click to expand...

stronger than pop rivets going by the vid , very impressive tip,but not very practical for much bodywork issues