04-15-2009, 05:37 PM
I'd TIG it. More control of the heat. Let a professional weld it because if you aren't experienced with thin material, you'll blow it out and turn the crack to a hole.
I'm no expert metallurgist but I believe your buddy is incorrect that aluminum turns brittle if welded. If anything, depending on the grade of aluminum, it will soften up and lose it temper. Most structural aluminium is tempered to some degree. I'd assume you have a formed hull? Probably a 3000 or 5000 series soft aluminum anyway.
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I'm no expert metallurgist but I believe your buddy is incorrect that aluminum turns brittle if welded. If anything, depending on the grade of aluminum, it will soften up and lose it temper. Most structural aluminium is tempered to some degree. I'd assume you have a formed hull? Probably a 3000 or 5000 series soft aluminum anyway.
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