Welding to VASA

[Snowking63]

Hopefully you machinists can help me.

I have an idea of building a pneumatic assist pump kit for a pre2k sniper. This would include welding my ram and 3way mounts to the VASA. I'm certified in GTAW aluminum so the welding isn't my concern but my question is more about the metallurgy of the material. What kind of aluminum is the VASA made of? For future reference, are the 2k+ made of a different grade than the pre2k? Is 6061 T6 okay to weld to it? Can I use 4043 filler rod?

[BrickHaus]

I can't comment on the metal type, but I have read that the vasa material had too much Nikel in them, that's why they don't. Anno the same.


I have successfully welded 6061 to a micro mag trigger guard using 4041 filler rod. I haven't anodized it yet, but the filler isn't gonna color is all I'd say would happen.

I'm hoping one of the more smarter guys helps ya.

[cougar20th]

If I remember correctly early autococker VA's were a different grade of aluminum. Which is the reason why alot didn't match when anodized and didn't hold the anodize as well.

[Ecapnation]

Eh....poor idea. In reality bolting things on would be stronger and easier.

Or machine one with the requirements

[Snowking63]

I figured welding to the ASA wouldn't be a horrible idea since it would be way less frowned upon than welding to the body. But now that you mention I would hate to ruin something if there was a better alternative. Maybe I'll think about designing an ASA in CAD that I can get machined.

But now that this thread is out here it seems like an interesting topic to cover.

[Trbo323]

Weld it!!!! What's the worst case? You need to buy a new one?

Start with a scrap one and a junk 3 way. Be a mad scientist, there's always someone who is the first to try something, why not you?

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[Snowking63]

You know what maybe I will, eff it. Even if it's just a temporary prototype it'll open the doors to a machined part in the future.

I'll post an update here whenever I get around to it.

[Snowking63]

Alright I did it but damn was it tough. It's almost too embarrassing to post because the welds look horrible but I want to be transparent here, please don't roast me 😆

I welded 6061 T6 to the vasa but the vasa almost welded like 7075 where it wants to melt at a different temperature. it also looked like the puddle was pulling out a lot impurities from the metal. I sanded off the ano the best I could in that area before welding but it would've been nice to start with a new, raw part. This vasa is from '98 afterall. Also, this was using 4043 filler.

A little peace of mind to know this is just a prototype though. It'll work well for what I need. Once I put this build together I'll post it in another thread.

[markdem]

Its not that bad. Run a die grinder over it and itll look ok.

[Alexndl]

Your weld are not that bad, I have seen worst on aluminum

[Trbo323]

You might want to check the alignment before you do anything else a lot of times when you weld only on one side like that when it cools it'll pull the part towards the weld

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[Snowking63]

It's still aligned ok and it's plenty strong. One side is for a 3way and other is for the ram and even the ram won't put much pressure on it when cycling.

[Alexndl]

You might want to check the alignment before you do anything else a lot of times when you weld only on one side like that when it cools it'll pull the part towards the weld

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Good point Trbo323

Also you need to be carefull, aluminum does not have a spring effect like steel, it will break over time if too much force is apply and bending the weld. If it was welded on both side (even if its not the entire length) it will be much stronger