[C320-list] Companionway Step Weld Failure

[Bill Lowe]

 How much does a new set of steps cost?


-----Original Message-----
From: Kaare Wold <sailor3952 at charter.net>
To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Sat, Aug 29, 2015 11:26 am
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Companionway Step Weld Failure

 
 
 
Brian, RUN from having your neighbor attempt this.  The thin gage stainless  
tubing should only be welded using the TIG process by a welder experienced  
with tube fabrication.  MIG wire welding will result in a disaster with  
unsightly appearance and far more deposited weld metal than necessary. Now  
you have a grinding mess to deal with. 
The electropolished tubing used for this application (ladders, handrails  
etc.) is thin gage, and not the heavier standard schedules used for  
industrial piping applications.  Bottom line.  This is a job requiring an  
experienced welder using the proper equipment. 
Kaare Wold  Sheet Music #945 
Welding Engineer when not sailing. 
 
 
 
----- Original Message -----  
From: "Graeme Clark" <cg at skyflyer.co.uk> 
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com> 
Sent: Saturday, August 29, 2015 3:27 AM 
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Companionway Step Weld Failure 
 
 
For future reference, It's not just about the welding rod/wire. Stainless  
needs an inert gas shield (Argon IIRC) so MIG or TIG. Some wires/rods have  
flux that burns to give an inert gas shield but I have never seen a pretty  
looking result! 
 
 
Sent from mobile: please excuse typos etc.! 
 
 
> On 28 Aug 2015, at 21:54, Amiraults Family <amiraults at sympatico.ca> wrote: 
> 
> All: 
> 
> 
> 
> Nah.I have never welded, but my neighbour has an inexpensive electric  
> welder 
> he's never used - but it WAS on sale. You have convinced me to make the 
> search for a professional. I need to get this right. 
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks for the guidance. 
> 
> 
> 
> Brian Amirault 
> 
> 797 Waltzing Bear, too 
> 
> 
> 
> --- 
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