ANODIZED ALUMINUM
ANODIZED ALUMINUM
(OP)
I would like to make a anodized aluminum t-top for my boat. I am an expirenced welder with GTAW & GMAW processes. Does anyone have any tips i.e. what process to use, bending anodized pipe, what not to do, ect.
Thanks
Thanks
RE: ANODIZED ALUMINUM
RE: ANODIZED ALUMINUM
RE: ANODIZED ALUMINUM
RE: ANODIZED ALUMINUM
What others have said about strength at the welds is correct. Use good design to overcome this. Try to avoid transfering bending moments through the joint. If you have a smaller tube Tee'd into a larger it will have a tendency to punch through the larger tube. You can over come this a few ways: 1) put the small tube all the the large one and weld on both sides (hard to make look good); 2) put a sleeve (larger tube) around the joint in this area. Number two is how you see most "T" tops done. It is also good at coupling out a bending moment.
Another point:
Everyone puts S.S. hardware on there aluminum tops. The result is a galvanic cell that corrodes quickly. Where you can, insulate (electrically) the S.S. from the Al. Use plastic washers and bushings.
Good Luck, hope it comes out well.
BTW, We are looking at alternate coatings for the top that will resist the salt water (spray) better.