Anyone tried "Metal Mend"?

[KXcam22]

Has anybody tried "Metal Mend".  I saw this stuff at a bike trade show long time ago.  They were repairing typical alum/magnesuim alloy engine cases; the guy was drilling holes through and then soldering them up. With some polishing the repair was invisible.  I was very impressed since cases are really hard to weld without making a mess.  Anyway, this stuff is a high temp aluminum epoxy that is super strong.  It is inexpensive and comes in packs of rods, each about the size of a 1/8 arc welding rod. I have used it a bunch of time for various repairs.  Heat the item with a propane torch and melt the stuff on like brazing.  With the propane torch you almost can't melt the aluminum, so you can repair small finiky items (without destroying them) like a float bowl etc..  I just used it again last night and re-remembered how handy it is.  I'll try to find a link for more info and a supplier and post it. Cam.

[mikesmith]

Sounds handy!

[Rick]

Yup, a link would be great!

[KXcam22]

Rick,
  I finally found a link.  It's not the "Metal Mend" name that I know but is exactly the same stuff.  Try
www.aluminumrepair.com   Neat stuff!  As an example, here is a pic of the tab I "welded" on my kickstand. Cam

[mikesmith]

Well that looks like a good thing to have if its all they say it is.So that little tab is staying put on your kick stand?Have you used it on any thing else?

[KXcam22]

Mike,
  I couldn't find the "Metal Mend" I have but that site looks and sounds like the same stuff, possibly newer and better.  So far I have "welded" a 20" crack on my fishing boat 6 years ago and re-attached the carb stud mount in the mouth of the 2-barrel carb on my wakeboard boat (3 years ago).  Both repairs were on thin finicky areas (didn't want to warp the carb casting), worked out great, and saved me some $$ (the replacement carb top was $400).  I am still using the orignal $5.00 pack of 12 rods.  The repair looks and files like aluminum although it is a bit tougher than aluminum.  The cooled "weld" is always a bit rough (at least when I do it) and need cleanup with a file or mini-grinder to look decent. Polishes nice. I became a beleiver when I attended a demo, guy drills a 1/2" hole in a bike clutch cover, "welds" it close, then polishes it until it is invisible, all in 10 min.  My next project it to "weld" some waterpump guards to the side of my skid plate.  If it is still cheap this is a good product to have in te tool box. Cam.

[mikesmith]

Thanks for the info!