[Public-List] Cracked masthead on first generation A-30

[Rachel]

Michael,

Did you have the extruded aluminum part of the boom welded, or was it a 
cast fitting?  The masthead is cast aluminum, and I'm thinking that 
might be different in terms of repair or welding than extruded 
aluminum, such as the spars are made of (?)

In the case of the masthead, I don't see it as being massively 
overbuilt, but it was definitely stressed improperly by the tangs the 
PO put on, so I can't blame it for cracking.  The crack is where the 
forestay fitting's clevis pin goes through, so it's a critical area 
(the mast is down at the moment on a mast rack, so accessible).

Thanks for your input,

Rachel
#221

On Jan 21, 2009, at 1:46 AM, <dickdurk at atlanticbb.net> wrote:

> I had a bunch of holes TIG welded on Checkmate's boom and am very 
> happy with the results. I'm told welding weakens aluminum, but I don't 
> know by how much, and the Alberg's hardware is really massively 
> overbuilt. Of course, in my case, nothing was weaker than air.
>
> I'd talk with a welder who specializes in bike frames or someone like 
> that.
>
> MichaelGrosh
> #220


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