question about tapering aluminum mast and forestay placement

[Brian Duff]

Mike,
Pete knows about argon flooding. Most of his work is done that way, i.e. in a box on the bench to keep the gas around the back side, or filling voids with gas to protect the weld zone - as you know, Pete is a bit anal about all that. he is one of the few welders you see working on boats that INSISTS on tenting off any outdoor areas that welding must be done in, to protect the gas sheild from distruption.

The way to prevent rippled mast walls is with a PERFECT fitting seam, no un-evenness can be tolorated. A lot of folks think the joint just has to be close, and the weld will fill the rest - it doesn't work that way. I think its somethign like the weld zone shrinks and then uneven fit causes ripples. Also, the area should be tacked and tacked and tacked to stablize before fully welding. Securing the back of the mast to an I beam with some blocking to pre -curve will also result in a better job, to keep the back of the mast straight.

Splatter and all inside may also be a result of incorrect temperature? Pete will know better.

Greg is the tall skinny guy with dark hair that works for McAteer, used to work with me, and at Tartan - super smart rigger and he will share, tell him HI from me and Jay Gallager too...