It can be done with a torch, but it is almost always advised against. The
reason is heat, resulting in panel
distortion. Things like spot welds and mig perform the weld almost instantly,
resulting in a very localized
heating of the metal. A torch is much slower at melting the metal, resulting
in greater heat saturation, and the
warping that results from this. Things like wet rags rolled up around the weld
site help, but are no guarantee.
Btw, do not be afraid of rivets. Yes, they get a bad rap, but that's because
most people do them very poorly.
They go to a hardware store and buy junk pop rivets, and don't use them
correctly. Quality rivets, installed
correctly, are extremely strong. Stronger in fact then welding. This is part
of the reason rivets are used in
airframes and high pressure systems. Pick up Carol Smiths book on fasteners
and you'll see what I'm talking
about.
>>> Mike Ginter <mginter@concentric.net> 08/23 7:57 PM >>>
Hey gang,
I'm trying to learn a little bit about welding for the purpose of
repairing Spitfire floor pans etc... I have been focusing on
MIG/TIG/ARC/Gasless and started to wonder. Can this type of work be
performed with a gas welding rig?
Mike
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