Welding techniques for 4130?

On 28 Aug 2003 02:00 PM, Building The Perfect Beast posted the following:
I am going to begin an aircraft project this winter and it looks like
I have a LOT of welding ahead of me. I'm curious as to the different
methods, ie brazing vs. arc, etc., and what the benefits or drawbacks
of each method may be. Is one style better? Stronger? Easier? I
will be working with a buddy who owns a machine shop and he has just
about all the equipment I could ever ask for. Given that availability
of equipment, what would you welders out there recommend or prefer?

I'm going to assume you will be welding 4130 steel structures
exclusively. If you are a relative novice to welding, use oxy-acetylene
equipment and mild steel rod. Do a Google search on this newsgroup,
paying extra close attention to posts by Bruce Frank and a guy named
"Highflier." Also, the EAA puts out an excellent publication on
aircraft welding.

As for equipment, if I were buying new equipment I would buy one of the
standard cutting/welding kits from Victor or Harris (now owned by
lincoln electric) mainly to get the regulators and hoses. The torches
that come with those kits are on the large side for welding thin
material, so buy a smaller torch which will be more maneuverable,
especially around fuselage clusters. I've heard good reports about the
Meco Midget, the Smith Airline, and the Henrob (people who have used the
latter find it a bit heavy).

Unless you are already an accomplished welder, ignore suggestions to
purchase an expensive TIG welding machine. It is not necessary and may
lead to undesirable results unless you have already mastered the basics
of welding with oxy-acetylene equipment. I use a small TIG machine and
like it, but I also use it for other things (like aluminum and
automotive projects) and had quite a bit of oxy/acetylene experience
before trying it. If I couldn't afford a TIG unit, I would weld
together my airframe using oxy/acetylene with no hesitation.

----------------------------------------------------
Del Rawlins-
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