Im trying to fix a blanket that has a ripI was just curious if the hand held sewing machines are any goodI don't have a sewing machine and even if i did i wouldn't have a clue how to work it(nor do i know anyone with a sewing machine)iv done some light sewing/fixing here and there with clothing but that's about it so if i did end up sewing this by hand, how can i make the stitch look straight and tight, so it doesn't come undoneIs there anything you can buy to help you stitch it straight because im not all that great at itAny other tips would be greatThanks
The Stainless wire brush is a good idea but you would want to clean it with the acetone first to get the grease off (or oils)If your parts are machined the water is also good because water soluble oils (machining coolants) sometimes do not dissolve with acetoneAt work the part is prepped with a carbide burr then we use acetone followed by distilled water wiped dry with a lint free clothThen just before welding we wire brush the parts and if you stop in the middle of the weld we wire brush again before continuing the weldThis is for aircraft engine weldsBut if you are not needing this type of cleanliness/quality the wire brush and acetone or isopropyl alcohol would do but watch the alcohol as it may leave a residue(20 years certified welder)
NEVER try to repair anything on an engine with J-B WeldFirst, due to heat and vibration, it will not holdSecond, all traces of the epoxy must be ground away before attempting to weld the headBig mess otherwiseThe only practical way is TIG welding , any welding shop which welds aluminum can do itThe head should be preheated, all valves/springs, etc should be removed firstBest way is to jig up the broken part, so it will stay in place until enough weld metal is deposited to hold it securelyGood LuckTomcotexas.
Cleaning Aluminum For Welding
The hand held stitchers are difficult to learn - they make a chain stitch that easily comes undone if not properly secured at each end of the seam I have one and was successful in heming an awning while standing on a ladder and holding the stitcher over my head, but I have been sewing and using sewing machines for about sixty yearsTo make a sturdy hand stitch, used a back stitch.two stitches forward, one back, two forward, one back until the seam is completedIron-on seam tape may work if the blanket fiber can withstand a hot iron.
This Site Might Help YouRE: What are great ways to prepare aluminum before welding? Hello, I have read a lot of opinionsThe standard seems to be brushing with a stainless steel brush in the same direction a bit (or stainless steel wheel?), cover it in acetone, then spraying it down with water followed by drying itIs this accurate? Are their superior methods or changes.
