AGGGH!! Broken tap becomes a need to remove the headset bearings.

[Lanzecki]

Update. I tried sticking the frame in a bike stand and after making a dam around the offending hole. Once I'd stopped leaks and got hthe pouring technique down it was OK.

But the tap is still in after 2 hours of dribbling the stuff in. I don't think it was hot enough. Boiling the juice on the cooker didn't help. Maybe I over cooked it.

I've dug out an old sheet of Ali and made it in to a bath that the down tube can sit in submerged. I'll update later.... Fingers crossed.

 

[gbb]

I suspect MI5, the CIA and the Pentagon are watching this thread like a hawk, all these homegrown potions must make them very suspicious

 

[Lanzecki]

Here's hoping

Update the temp is really critical for this. Simmering is right. Anything colder and it doesn't work, or at least far slower. Anything hot and it goes weird, and doesn't work.

 

[Lanzecki]

Update. This is not working. I cannot control the heat correctly. If it get's too hot it stops working and turns to sludge. Tomorrow is the final and last try after considering a few options. Such as cutting the insert out and replacing with a new one. Just gotta make sure I have enough argon gas. I think I may be low/empty.

 

[classic33]

Its not tungsten carbide coated is it?

 

[Lanzecki]

Going by the test piece I tried a few days ago no. The main problem seems to be temperature control. I'm getting to the point where I'm going to cut it out with a hollow drill bit and fit a new insert. But it's getting silly. All this for one bottle cage bolt hole on a cheep frame.

But if I don't fit it properly it'll bug me for ever.

 

[Lanzecki]

Update: It's out. By drilling a ring of holes and using a small diamond burr to joint the dots.

Then make the hole 10mm and place a pre cut and tapped barrel of Ali in the hole and weld (Ali-Zinc rod solder) it into place.

Test fitting. Ohh, yea the frame was sand blasted as well.

Yes the hole is offset slightly. As was the original. Rotating the barrel before welding will allow me to move the hole in relation to the frame. So I can get it inline with the original hole.

The disolving wasn't working since the location made submerging the tap and keeping it at a correct temp beat me.