> Ed is right about using the MIG with a spool gun, of course. I just didn't
> think there was a spool gun up there.

> Maybe you should consider making a new one out of steel?
> On Mar 21, 2012 8:29 AM, "Ed Stafford" <ed.staff...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > Aluminum welding...  FUN stuff!!

> > Aluminum requires 100% argon, not a 75/25 Argon/CO2 mix, at least with
> > respect to GMAW welding

> > Welding cast vs. forged, I don't think there's much of a difference
> > outside of the typical "MOVE FAST" method

> > TIG is a lot easier to control, but if you have a spool gun for the MIG
> > welder, either is doable.  The big thing I see with that kick starter is
> > you've got a LOT of area to contend with which is not on the outside.
> > Here's my recommendations:

> > Don't mill the 2 pieces.
> > Place them back together and tack-weld the edges in place
> > Drill 3 holes perpendicular to the break
> > Tap holes
> > Use Aluminum screws or all-thread - Don't use steel - put thread sealer
> > (loc-tite) on the threads and tighten down
> > Weld the outside edges via MIG or TIG
> > grind down the threads/screws flat and weld the tops flush
> > Grind/sand everything smooth, polish, drink beer

> > On Wed, Mar 21, 2012 at 12:30 AM, Ben Eishen <b...@eishen.com> wrote:

> >> Thanks to kit, we have the mig, arc, plasma cutter, and tig :D

> >> Sent from my iPhone

> >> On Mar 20, 2012, at 11:22 PM, Walter Stokes <wwsto...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >> Are you sure? I know there's a MIG up there, but that's another beast
> >> entirely.
> >> On Mar 20, 2012 11:13 PM, "Ben Eishen" < <b...@eishen.com>b...@eishen.com>
> >> wrote:

> >>> We do have a tig at the space, but no argon, just co2. But kit would be
> >>> the expert on that subject.
> >>> --
> >>> Ben S. Eishen
> >>> 773.234.7436 | <b...@eishen.com>b...@eishen.com
> >>> 9160 Hwy. 64, Suite 12-302, Lakeland, TN 38002

> >>> On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 10:42 PM, Walter Stokes < <wwsto...@gmail.com>
> >>> wwsto...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >>>> Hey guys, lemme share what I know about aluminum:

> >>>> You can solder with a good torch and aluminum rods, but you run a real
> >>>> risk of melting the workpiece. The device that is commonly used to weld
> >>>> aluminum is called a TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas). It's a frequency transformer
> >>>> with gas port to keep the aluminum from oxidizing (it likes to oxidize
> >>>> rapidly). I can't remember exactly, but I think you need to use a mix of
> >>>> CO2 and Argon. Then you use a tungsten rod to feed into the arc. It's a
> >>>> cool process and there are lots of videos online if you're interested. A
> >>>> TIG torch is very expensive and takes a lot of experience to be good at.
> >>>> I've seen a guy weld a coke can back together with one, though, so you they
> >>>> can do just about anything.

> >>>> I think the right response is JB Weld. Of course, a new kickstand costs
> >>>> about as much as a tube of JB Weld... So whatever....

> >>>> On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 10:08 PM, Keith < <kstova...@comcast.net>
> >>>> kstova...@comcast.net> wrote:

> >>>>> **
> >>>>> Aluminum welding rods can be used to solder aluminum.
> >>>>> I picked mine up at Southaven Supply but Lowes or Home Depot should
> >>>>> carry them.
> >>>>> I've used them to solder small pieces of aluminum using a propane
> >>>>> torch and larger pieces using MAP gas.
> >>>>> You have to be careful as it is easy to melt the aluminum with MAP
> >>>>> gas, though.

> >>>>> Take Care,

> >>>>> Keith

> >>>>> ----- Original Message -----
> >>>>> *From:* Ben Eishen <b...@eishen.com>
> >>>>> *To:* <midsouth-makers@googlegroups.com>
> >>>>> midsouth-makers@googlegroups.com
> >>>>> *Sent:* Tuesday, March 20, 2012 8:33 PM
> >>>>> *Subject:* Re: [MidsouthMakers] Welding cast aluminum?

> >>>>> JB weld baby, that stuff is better than ducktape :p

> >>>>> All joking aside, I do remember some kind of aluminum epoxy that is
> >>>>> supposed to work wonders. I've seen it used on car compressors to make a
> >>>>> new threaded bolt ear.

> >>>>> Sent from my iPhone

> >>>>> On Mar 20, 2012, at 7:10 PM, Daniel Hess < <dan9...@gmail.com>
> >>>>> dan9...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >>>>>   I do remember Kit saying something about needing special stuff to
> >>>>> weld aluminum.

> >>>>> Maybe he can provide insight. I also bet Ben will have some sort of
> >>>>> off the wall idea on how to replace it with the cheapest stuff possible.

> >>>>> Daniel
> >>>>> Sent from my iPhone

> >>>>> On Mar 20, 2012, at 7:02 PM, Chad Miller < <cwmil...@gmail.com><cwmil...@gmail.com>
> >>>>> cwmil...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >>>>>   Cut it in half, reverse the other side of the cast and pour.
> >>>>>  Aluminum isn't great for welding, IMHO.   If it is all aluminum, you can
> >>>>> cast it.  Go go gadget beer can!

> >>>>> Chad Miller

> >>>>> On Mar 20, 2012, at 6:48 PM, Brad Dunagan < <brad.duna...@gmail.com><brad.duna...@gmail.com>
> >>>>> brad.duna...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >>>>>   I know there are welders in this group.  How are you at what I
> >>>>> think is cast aluminum?

> >>>>> Its a kick starter off my bike.  Picture of the damage is attached.

> >>>>> I do not have the piece that broke off.

> >>>>> Right now I am thinking about multiple operations in the repair.
> >>>>> First I will try to mill the broken area to get flat surfaces.  I will
> >>>>> drill a hole vertically up the part for a steal bolt.  I will machine a
> >>>>> piece that will be bolted into place.  Then I wll try to wrap reinforcement
> >>>>> strips around the whole thing.  Finally, weld.

> >>>>> And I am certainly open to other ideas and suggestions.

> >>>>> Thanks.

> >>>>>  <IMG_2300[1].jpg>

> > --
> > Ed Stafford