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Topic: How to prep gold plated metal for welding? |
Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 11 Aug 2018 4:22 pm |
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Mechanical issue but not steel related, so I guess this is the place to seek advice.
I have a vibrato tailpiece for standard guitar that has a broken weld joint. It's gold plated steel. I know people that can weld it I'm sure, but I'd like to see if I can prep it before I take it to them. Want to make sure and get a good weld.
It's on the backside where it is plated but not polished as it's not seen. Does the plating need to be completely removed? Will simply wire brushing the area to be welded be enough or does it need to go on a wire or grinding wheel? Chemical treatment or etching?
I know the heat from welding will discolor it, but I'm not concerned about that as the whole thing is going to get re-painted a satin or semi-gloss black anyway. |
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Michael Maddex
From:
Northern New Mexico, USA
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Posted 13 Aug 2018 9:04 am
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Jerry, I figured that you´d get an answer here by now. I have two thoughts:
+ Why not just buy a new tailpiece? That´s likely cheaper and easier.
+ If you get it welded, let the welder prep it to his satisfaction. It will only take a minute or two on his bench grinder and will be just what he is looking for. He can also grind the extra bead off for you when he is finished welding so you can paint it.
My pretty much exactly two cents worth. Good Luck with it however you go! 
_________________
"For every expert, there is an equal and opposite expert." -- Arthur C. Clarke |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 13 Aug 2018 11:57 am
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| You'll get best results welding steel by grinding off any plating in and around the area being welded (to prevent contamination of the weld). But I agree with Michael, the welder would know best how to prep the part for welding, and this may vary with the type of welding (stick, TIG, or MIG) used. |
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Chris Templeton
From:
The Green Mountain State
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Posted 15 Aug 2018 7:11 am
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Having spot welded the leg screw inserts(?) on chrome legs, you will probably leave a mark.
If you want it looking good, you'll probably have to re-plate it or find a replcement.
_________________
Excel 3/4 Pedal With An 8 String Hawaiian Neck, Tapper (10 string with a raised fretboard to fret with fingers), Single neck Fessenden 3/5
"The Tapper" : https://christophertempleton.bandcamp.com/album/the-tapper
Soundcloud Playlist: https://soundcloud.com/bluespruce8: |
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