I have worked with steel for a few years now. I am thinking it is about time that I build a vehicle for myself. I was wondering is working aluminum that much different from steel?
Yes, working aluminum is much different. Well, 3003 is anyway. 5052 acts a lot like steel. Aluminum is hard because it is so easy. I know that doesn't make much sense but it's true. Aluminum moves SOOOOOO fast and easy it is very easy to over stretch. It is also a bit harder to weld and requires special eye protection to gas weld and see through the flux flare. If you TIG it, you have to have an AC capable TIG. Forget about a spool gun on thin (.062 and less) aluminum. Until I started my roadster I'd pretty much only shaped steel but I now doubt that I'll ever do much scratch built stuff in anything but aluminum.
Marcell (sp) makes it look easy generations of knowledge in those photos. You will have abit of learning curve but after a bit you end up choosing aluminum when given the opportunity to shape some thing.
Thanks for the info. I looked at your roadster project. If I do decide to use aluminum. I am glad I don't have alot of curves like yours. lol I was thinking about using 7075 or 5052 aluminum. Any special tools I need?[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1] [/SIZE][/FONT]
................................. I would suggest NOT, on the 7075, iffn' you plan on welding the Aluminum........It's a fairly expensive grade, besides, and there is other stuff better suited for your build.................7075 is primarily aircraft stuff........I use it a lot at work.
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