I need a gunsmith who can weld aluminum...

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I need a gunsmith who can weld aluminum...

Posted: 2/6/2018 8:42:19 AM EDT

So, I have an aluminum Steyr AUG receiver that has been cut in half.

It is NOT NFA, but it is a pre-1989 A1 and I'd like to salvage it.

Suggestions?

tsh77769

Posted: 2/6/2018 5:14:16 AM EDT

[#1]

M60joe?

Posted: 2/6/2018 10:14:48 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted: So, I have an aluminum Steyr AUG receiver that has been cut in half.

It is NOT NFA, but it is a pre-1989 A1 and I'd like to salvage it.

Suggestions?

tsh77769

View Quote

I was going to say Braceman, but he doesn't have a manufacturing SOT. Once it is rewelded, it will be a new receiver, not one legally made before 1989 and should be marked w/ the SOT's information, AFAIK.

If it's 7075, be aware that there doesn't seem to be a welding industry acceptable method for welding 7075.

Posted: 2/6/2018 3:10:17 PM EDT

[#3]

I believe the Aug receiver is cast 7075. While it can be welded, I'd not fire the rifle after doing so. 7075, in a structural role, should never be welded.

Posted: 2/7/2018 6:14:31 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:

I was going to say Braceman, but he doesn't have a manufacturing SOT. Once it is rewelded, it will be a new receiver, not one legally made before 1989 and should be marked w/ the SOT's information, AFAIK.

View Quote

I think that depends on the nature of the receiver cutting/damage. I could be mistaken, but unless the receiver was demiled to ATF's standards at the time, they still consider it a firearm and you'd just be having it repaired.

Posted: 2/7/2018 6:28:03 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:

I think that depends on the nature of the receiver cutting/damage. I could be mistaken, but unless the receiver was demiled to ATF's standards at the time, they still consider it a firearm and you'd just be having it repaired.

View Quote

Right It was cut with a band saw or cutting wheel straight across, it's missing a 1/4 inch thick corss section, and not to ATF's "destroyed" spec that I know of.

Tsh77769

Posted: 2/7/2018 7:29:01 PM EDT

[#6]

I don't know when BATFE started demanding torch cutting, but quite a few parts kits in the past have just been mechanically cut. Did a police department have this receiver cut and then reported it destroyed?

Or did someone just get really angry and a driveway was not available?

Posted: 2/7/2018 7:52:17 PM EDT

[#7]

7075 has too much zinc it in, and structurally welding such back together is not going to happen.

In the case of say a mold, yes you can fill holes and repair cracks so the mold will cast correctly, but the first time the mold is put under any stress, its going to crack again at the same spot.

Posted: 2/7/2018 9:35:31 PM EDT

[#8]

Can you braze aluminum?

Posted: 2/8/2018 12:29:12 AM EDT

[#9]

If your looking to bond/glue the two parts together since 7075 has so much zinc in it,
[youtube]https://youtu.be/S13szOv0Seo[/youtube]

But even with this, would still not use the receiver with live ammo.

Posted: 2/8/2018 1:46:17 AM EDT

[#10]

I'm not familiar w/ the AUG's action. Does it use a rear-lugged bolt or something that puts a lot of stress on the action? If it's cut clean in two behind the trunnion, wouldn't the principal stress on firing be compression?

If it falls apart on the return stroke of the bolt, no harm done. Of course, the downside is it's next to your ear.

Posted: 2/8/2018 1:13:57 PM EDT

[#11]

7075 can only be spot resistance welded.

I would guess maintaining zinc distribution in the weld would seriously affect strength of the resulting joint.

Some high carbide aluminum (6XXX) also are hard to weld.

There is no way to maintain the carbide in the weld or recreate it reliably in the very high strength grades.

It is also very brittle and does not form without heating and careful cooling to preserve the carbide inclusion.

Posted: 2/10/2018 1:07:08 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
I don't know when BATFE started demanding torch cutting, but quite a few parts kits in the past have just been mechanically cut. Did a police department have this receiver cut and then reported it destroyed?

Or did someone just really angry and a driveway was not available?

View Quote

I always figured they were torched to spec then sawn for cleanup...

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I need a gunsmith who can weld aluminum...

Armory » Gunsmithing

Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us