Aluminium adhesives/ low temp soldering

[bazjude2998]

Has anyone used either or both,need to make a repair to light gauge aluminium car door window frames,not structural.Alterative to TIG welding.Thanks

[Lotobear]

Need to know more - butt joints or panel on panel (lapped)

[bazjude2998]

Thanks Loto, lapjoint

[Lotobear]

..Sikaflex or Tigerseal would be ideal for a lap joint, just don't ever plan on undoing it!

[EireEng]

You can braze aluminium at lower temperatures than TIG, but it still needs a blowtorch

[bazjude2998]

EireEng said:

You can braze aluminium at lower temperatures than TIG, but it still needs a blowtorch

Aware of that .I have the ability but not the facility.I,m a time served tin basher but have been out the game for a long time.As time & methods have moved on just wonted opinions of those who have experience with modern technology & methods .In the 1970,s I was welding 16 swg ally using oxy/acetylene.That took a lot of practice, don’t think the eyes would be up to it now,as anyone who mastered the skill will know not a lot of time feeding the rod once the ally was pooling.

[CrutyRammers]

You need lumiweld. It's soldering by another name as far as I can see, but works very well, even with my limited skills. I've used it to fabricate a fewe things from sheet, and also to repair a cracked rocker cover which has been fine ever since.

[CrutyRammers]

Should have said...needs a blowtorch but a plumbers one with disposable bottles is fine.

[CubanPete]

Aluminium can be difficult to braze as it conducts the heat away too quickly.

Epoxy such as araldite 2014 and decent surface preparation will create a good joint.

[paulrockliffe]

I asked for help a while ago for a cracked aluminium compressor casing and was recommended some aluminium welding sticks that you do with a blowtorch.

I couldn't get the casing hot enough as the heat was conducted away, so in the end I used some metal weld epoxy, it's worked perfectly!

[Filton-flyer]

This stuff is awesome!
It's basically what they use to glue both halves of F1 cars together.
No cheap, but has many uses around the house/car etc.
Available in black and a fetching shade of pink too

3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive 9323 B/A

[bazjude2998]

Thanks for replies—Plenty to go at.