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Unread 07-11-2009, 01:13 PM   #11
PhilOhio
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As Alvin notes, corner and edge buildup is a key part of serious professional restorations. In most cases, it could never be cost effective, even if possible. But with this arc thermal spray technology, I don't think it would be too difficult to selectively/locally add new metal, especially since you can mask. The tough part would be having all the right cutters and skill to remove part of the built up metal to get back to the way things were originally.

I did a quick check of Harbor Freight's website, as they have an impressive selection of modern welding equipment and expendables; some good and some not so good. They don't appear to have it yet. Yet. If and when the Chinese figure out how to build and market a low cost, entry level ATS system we can afford, I want to be at the front of the line. They did it with mini mills, and that was life changing. ATS is next. It would not surprise me at all.

I'm guessing that some of the ATS equipment on the U.S. market is Chinese built, and we are not seeing cheap versions because of contract considerations. But over there, technology leaks pretty fast, and as for contracts and the Chinese...

Last edited by PhilOhio; 07-12-2009 at 11:22 AM.
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