Welding??

laurajane

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May 23, 2005
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Hi again

I am looking for someone to construct a base for a freestanding trapeze i am having delivered here next month. I already have one and need it copied.
Ideally i need someone in the Higuey area, but it is important that a quality job is done as there is a safety issue involved. I also need advice on where to source materials such as the s/s required to make it, however i presume any reputable welder will know.

Below is a photo of rig we already have, The upright aluminium poles and crane bar at top are being delivered shortly, but i decided to have the base made here as was hugely expensive to buy and ship. If anyone could help i would be most greatful.

Thanks

 

Texas Bill

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Feb 11, 2003
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Laurajane;

Stainless steel CANNOT be welded to Aluminum!
The dissimilarity of thetwo metals will not allow such. Anyone who tells you differently simply doesn't know what they're talkiing bout.
You can, however have the base manufactured out of heat-treated aluminum. Iwould suggest thet you have the base manufactured in several parts and put together using aluminum nuts and bolts of the same material number. Don't try to use Stainless in direct contact with aluminum because the different metals will bind together through electrolysis and the entire structure will be weakened.. At least I think that "electrolysis" is the term.
If you do elect to have the structure welded together, be sure and have the structure "heat-treated" in order to re-align the molecular orientation of the metal.

Better yet, go to a reputable machine shop andget their advise about how best to solve your problem.

Texas Bill
 

beeza

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Nov 2, 2006
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You're on the right lines Texas Bill, it's called galvanic corrosion caused by dissimilar metals.

Metals like stainless steel and aluminium are extremely difficult to weld and take a great deal of skill and specialised welding equipment. As safety is paramount to your project, i would suggest that you get the welds tested with an NDT (non destructive testing) technique. These can be done by using ultrasound, x-ray, or eddy current tests.
 

laurajane

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May 23, 2005
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You are correct, This structure is made of many different parts and is pieced together with bolts. It is designed to be disassembled every day and not a permenantly placed rig. I do not require everything welded together to make one piece.


The aluminium uprights are bolted to the s/s base and also held inplace with guywires and turnbuckles. What i need done is the base, made in 18 parts. The top pieces/uprights and crane bar are kind of specialist and made in florida and will be arriving next month.

Thank you
 

Texas Bill

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Feb 11, 2003
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laurajane;

I didn't mean to sound like a "know-it-all", but was concerned that some welder would take advantage of you, charge youf or work, and not get it done.
Usually, dominicans will charge you up front, then when you aren't completely satisfied, or the work is done incorrecly, will tell you "-TS under the radical". If you knowa bit of algebra, you will know what I'm talking about.

Texas Bill
 

Hillbilly

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Jan 1, 2002
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For something this important, I would go to Santo Domingo where there are at least two shops that work with stainless steel.
After all, this is something that lives depend on, so I would not skimp nor would I trust folks that do know know s/s welding techniques...I am not sure I would even have this dome in Santiago, but then I have not looked....

Go with the best..

HB
 

laurajane

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May 23, 2005
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I think you may well be right Hillbilly, If anyone can recommend someone in Santo Domingo i would be very greatful. This must be done properly as yes i would not want for Mr LJ to come a cropper on something badly done ;)