Quote:
Originally Posted by Thor
I am not really sure whether he welded it with an arc welder or TIG MIG welding. I remember him telling me he used black iron rod. He once used a nickel or stainless alloy rod and NO JOY at all on it. HUB is on this forum and he makes BABY LUGERs he would be the one to ask, his welds always rust blue great and match the grip straps. That was 7 years ago and I am an old toot so I dont remember all the details after all these LOOGERS! 
PS I think Don did some kind of low temp welding because he was afraid there was not much metal left on the grip strap. That is also a concern where the metal is thin. |
Ted,
TIG welding(acronym for "tungsten inert gas"--also known as the Heliarc process) would not have resulted in the tiny balls of spatter stuck to this landscape, as the filler is fed in by hand after both sides of the repair liquify under the tungsten's arc. The workpiece is heated long enough to establish the puddle on both sides, fuse in the filler, and smooth the weld--much like gas welding but lots cleaner.
MIG welding(acronym for "metallic inert gas"--also known as wire feed welding) might be the culprit. With this process it is possible to place little blips of weld right where you want them, however--unless the welder is tuned absolutely perfectly--some spatter usually occurs. It can usually be knocked off fairly easily because its fusion to the work's surrounding surface is minimal. Also, this figures because this method requires the least heat, and shortest time of applying the heat.
Arc welding usually leaves more spatter, and it is more difficult to lay down the tiny beads. It is the least easy of the choices for the process of joining small or thin parts because it is more challenging to place the tack welds and requires more effort to clean up, which would include condensed smokey residue from the shielding gas, and a glassy slag that caps the weld.
But Don said "black iron rod" to you? I don't know what exactly that might have been, so will check with a couple of colleagues and get back to ya!
I don't think you have all
that many years on me; anyway, we all enjoy a good "senior moment" once in a while, eh?
Lastly, I'm not surprised by the results of using nickel or stainless for welding because these fillers would react differently, if at all, to the bluing chemistry. Someone mentioned in another post that a frame repair had been done which left a distinct line visible in the finish. Silver brazing or bronze filler was probably used, both of which will reject a rust blue finish as they, like stainless or nickel, do not rust!
I'll wait to see if HUB checks in on this and what his comments/experience might be. I also have a question about heat treating the frame afterward...