Patching a steel hull

[Frosty]

Heat causes distortion, take your time , dont just blast away and then look to see distortion do a bit at a time and keep some water handy.

1 inch one side,-- 1 inch the other. --patience.

[Wittholz 35]

Thanks Frosty. What is the water for? It seems like quenching it would cause it to warp more?

[welder/fitter]

Originally Posted by Wittholz 35

...By the way what is a zip cut?...

Sean

A zip-cut is like a grinding disc, but thinner. It is designed to cut steel from it's edge. Don't try to grind with it. The cut is clean. For longer cuts, you can get a similar disc for a skilsaw.

[Guest62110524]

fitweld look to your pm, why are youa wake?

[Wittholz 35]

Ok so thats what a zip cut is. I was using those when my plasma cutter went down but I got it fixed now. I can cut a little cleaner with a zip cut but I use up wheels quick and besides the plasma cutter is a lot more fun.

[lumpy bumpy]

Originally Posted by charmc

Although it may sound daunting, sometimes replacing a larger area is actually easier than smaller patches. If Murielle is right that this is all toerail (it looks that way from your photos), then replacing a longer section would be best. Be careful to grind and/or cut back to clean, sound metal. Welding carefully should make it as good as new.

good advice