Gluing a Sidkits Grip frame

[DeckB26354]

Hi

So I'm happliy sanding my Sidkits Grip frame and it breaks in two. I felt like crying.

I'm pretty sure it's pewter. Does anyone know if I can stick it back together and what I should use?

Also if anyone has ANY idea where I might get another one I.... I really need some help on this one!!

[andy]

You should be able to solder it, I would make a jig (cardboard would work, but wood would be better and safer) and clamp for it first. then carefully solder both sides and then grind down the extra. If you don't clamp it in place first it will be bent, and then when you bend it back it will just break again.

Was the the internal or external frame? Either way if you are doing it to worldcon specs, it should be painted black and that will hide any repairs. the two frames together will give it strength. You might also be able to use the other frame as the jig I was talking about (why didn't I think of that? ). Actually using the other frame as the jig would be perfect because you could screw it into place, and/or use a temp adhesive until you get it soldered together. There are also metal epoxies at most auto parts stores. they aren't shiny metallic, but grey but are metal filled and will still feel cold to the touch.

Good luck.
Andy

[Noeland]

Post up a few pictures of the damage, then we can give you better advice.

Sid's site is still down, so . . . availability might be an issue.
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I don't have enough blasters!

[DeckB26354]

....and Andy comes to the rescue again!

That sounds like a bloody good idea. I wish I had thought of that. I think my brain must be too highly trained.

It's the outer frame. It broke at the large hole, so there is very little at either side. But screwing it back to the inner frame and then soldering it in place sounds like a winner to me. Actually, I had no idea if pewter would solder.

A HUGE thank you.
(If only Siderio were around to buy another one from.....)

[DeckB26354]

Thanks Noeland

Will do.

It's an obvious weekness and I should have been more careful.

[clutch]

Use JB Weld to glue it back toghether, then reinforce it with a solder job.

I don't think pewter is this weak.

[Once-bitten]

I would recommend using an epoxy on it rather than attempt to solder it!
This metal melts at a very low temperature and any attempts I have made
in applying hot metal to cold have always ended in a less than stellar result.
You would be risking further damage to the frame and for what?

Apply a two part epoxy and call it good!

[andy]

I agree, if it is a thin spot, soldering would probably be very risky.

Andy

[Mr Webber]

I broke off the bit of the top piece that the lever sits on, it was a clean snap so using a very small drill bit, drilled a hole in the two seperate pieces and used some fuse wire as a "spicket" or "dowl".Glued the fuse wire into the main piece, then guided the smaller bit onto that, worked a charm.
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Formerly offworld66

[joberg]

As O.B. said: for the love of Pete don't solder pewter!!! It is almost up to par to lead! Melting very fast my friend. Crazy glue will do.

[andy]

I did some filling in of screw holes using this idea, as well as some seams. True you can't touch the iron to the kit. You can only touch the solder, and it is very tricky, so if you are at all uncomfortable doing it, DON'T. There will also be some very tricky clean up afterwards to grind down the extra. The glue makes more sense anyway for what you need.

Andy

[Helder22]

If you wanna send it over ill fix it for you. Ive fixed a lot worse on a Sidkit before.

[DeckB26354]

A HUGE thank you to you all for the advice guys, and the very kind offer of fixing it for me! Very much appreciated.

Actually, I soldered before all the answers came back......impatient huh?

You are right; it melts very quickly! However being very careful I was able to add missing bits and fix scaring made by the soldering iron by actually melting solder and effectively using it as a filler. Then I filed the solder down , which is nice and hard (better than Pewter) and files well.

The results were excellent with the solder being harder and more substantial than the original Pewter! The only downside which is quite significant, is that the peice has now got a twist to it; Hardly noticable to the eye but the Amber grips no longer sit anywhere near flush on it !! They actually rock!

Fortunately, I have a great friend who has offered to make me a new one!
Aren't friends great!!!