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welding aluminum frame?

we're welding together a frame, that COULD be made out of aluminum, as it is made out of old bicycles, we're welding the useable pieces of metal from the bicycles into a motorcycle frame. We planned on just cutting the useable parts out with a grinder, and a cutoff wheel. Here are my questions, I know that welding together an aluminum frame isnt recommended if the frame has a crack or internal/external failure, but since these bikes are in good shape, and just being cut up and rewelded into something else, will it hold up. There wont be any pre and post heating stuff, I want to know if I can just take the bicycles, take a grinder, cut the useable metal out, weld it into a motorcycle frame, and ride it when we build it, while being able to rely on it, not fearing that my back end is going to fly off and kill someone.

4 Answers

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  • mark t
    Lv 7
    8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    If you can weld correctly then you will be fine. A proper weld is as strong if not stronger than the metal around it. For that type of welding you would need at the least a MIG welder but a TIG welder would be best.

  • ?
    Lv 5
    8 years ago

    I don't think its possible to weld aluminum to metal. I doubt ur bike frame is aluminum anyways. Probably lightweight composite. If it welds with welder then it isn't aluminum. And safe? If its done by good welder. Otherwise no.

  • 8 years ago

    That would be questionable even for an expert in aluminum welding.The pieces must be sleeved together,butt welding isn't going to cut it.

  • 8 years ago

    Sure. If you know how to weld aluminium properly (not easy, and different to regular welding of steel) and have designed the frame properly then no problem.

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