what welders do ally boat builders use ? I want to build kit boat

[ric]

Hi Lembo,

I tried to reply to your PM but your inbox is full.

[lembo]

sorry ric stupid 5 messages allowed, fills up pretty quick. ive cleared some now mate.

[stevej]

which is why second hand home built boats are worth a pitance
Id buy the kit and factor in the cost to get a local fabricator to do it, have some faith then in it being soundly built

CW,
My post was indeed brief, but it was late and I was really going to stay out of it.
I've spent many years in the aluminium fabrication game and I've sold all brands for a lot of years. So I've used more different machines than most ever get the opportunity to.
I've also had the advantage of being in businesses that repair welders so I have seen what works and what doesn't .

An experienced welder can make do with a less than perfect machine and still get a reasonable result.
I used to build roll cages and fuel tanks for race cars with a "pie warmer" so I don't consider myself a technology snob.

Lembo is not that and what he'll learn at a short TAFE course won't make him anywhere near that.

It may surprise many to know that the majority of boilermakers struggle to pass their tests when full AS1665 standards are applied.
Usually it's things like porosity, crater cracks etc but none the less they fail.

So I'm a little bemused that many this forum will (rightly) rally around and decry boat builders who manufacture in China using sub standard equipment and unqualified people, but will encourage doing the same thing in someone back yard here.

The welders you recommend will indeed last the short time it takes to build the boat (probably).

Trouble is, the boat's going to last a bloody site longer than that.
And Lembo may not be the only owner.

[Originboats]

Buy or hire a Fronius or Eutectic, there is nothing else as good imo.

Cheers OB

[lembo]

thanks guys,
I have considered getting a quality builder to do it for me. I would only consider this if I get the ally for cheap enough. would love to hire a good welder and give it a good try to help aid in my decision but where can you hire these quality rigs from ? would coates or someone hire them ??

[ozynorts]

Hey Lembo, are you firm on Aluminium as your material.
Check these out. http://www.bowdidgemarinedesigns.com...ign_Index.html
No welding required however I believe that some of these designs are going to be modified and released for plate builders as well later this year.

[stevej]

i thought he will only give you a builders plate if you log the whole build on the website.

id hate to go through it all to be told no and have to registered it as home built

[ozynorts]

id hate to go through it all to be told no and have to registered it as home built

How is building a kit boat in Aluminium any different to that?
It isn't hard to whack up a photo as you go to comply.

[jeep]

I built one of mark bowdidge marine boats 2 years ago,sea strike 16,5 metre c/c builders plate supplied with all progress photos posted on website and is fully insured.no problem about home built.Also waiting for ally plans now to start next one,5-6 metre cat when they come out

[lembo]

yeah its about a 6.5 m cat im looking at.
id consider getting a pro builder to do it, anyone know of capable builders in QLD willing to take on a project like this. and also what would you pay for someone to weld up a 6.5 cat ?

[Nick H]

Hi Lembo,

give performance plate boats in Brendale brisbane a call Sam is pretty flexible and well priced, I'm currently getting a 6.5 meter built with no paint. Quite sure he would do just the hull if that's all your chasing. Pay a professional to get it done properly in my option, unless you have heaps of spare time and a good shed to work in. Good luck with it!

cheers Nick

[ric]

Don't worry about the whole builders plate issue. That is nothing to worry about. You can buy a plate and register it yourself - no issue.

[Country Kid]

this thread wants me make to headbut rusty nails.

i have been using unimig (T&R) inverter machines for YEARS and had better service, support and the welds look as good. priced at a point of affordability far less than the american brand names. Yes, the Fronius are gold standard and great units but you will struggle to have support in Australia because they just arent real common. Miller, bit the same but miller are off the price bracket.

If you intend on only building one kit for yourself try (if you can) find a lincon P-Mig 350 "one-pak" which comes with a pull gun (goose neck inline motor not perpendicular motor) iv had mine for close to 3 years now and its great. but pricey, i have a TR inverter with a remote wire feeder and the UNI-mig gun, i have found the uni-mig much better supported as it is an Australian company (all be it a Chinese machine) its never missed a beat in the 6 years i have been using it (usually 3-4 hours of welding a day) and when i do need a part (which i havent yet) my local supplier (gentronics) usually has it, or it is in Australia and can be air bagged to me withing 48hrs (not the case for miller or lincon and fronius.... well...)

i think your cutting valid and sensible options away by removing imported inverter machines, one thing i would say. practice alot before you even lay hand to a kit. while they are simple you still need a intermediate level of proficiency to be able to do an appropriate job.

might also be noted. single phase machines will work perfectly fine.... the Lincon One-pak is single phase as to is the T&R 250K and they do a job equal to the 350amp+ 3ph machines.

[wirlybird]

I have a transmig 175i and I can weld 6mm aluminium no dramas??? But I have had lots of experience. It cost me about a $1000 at the time.
It probably could use a Teflon liner to help smooth up the torch feed.



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