M101 bed material - Galvanized steel, steel, or aluminum?

[Ratch]

Are the early A3 beds galvanized steel or aluminum?
Were M101 bed's ever manufactured with aluminum?

I've seen varying weight specs on data plates, so figured it wasn't entirely unreasonable. Every A1 I've ever seen is unmistakably steel. The A2's and A3's flake off paint like they're galvanized, but oxidize like aluminum. I'm no metallurgist by a long shot...

This may be a dumb question, but I'm 40 miles from the A3 I want to weld tonight, and need to figure out welding supplies before I get there...

 

[gimpyrobb]

I know of none that are aliuminum.

 

[hndrsonj]

Ditto, No aluminum.

 

[Ratch]

Ok, so just galvanizing to grind off.

Thanks, that was quick...

 

[two.fiveM35]

Steel, cheap steel with lots of paint.

 

[Nonotagain]

Ok, so just galvanizing to grind off.

Thanks, that was quick...

First off, you don't want to grind on galvanized steel. Not good for your health. Zinc is a heavy metal which will stay in the body for someone.

If you need to sand flaking paint, do so lightly, then wipe the surface with vinegar. It will aid in paint adhesion.

 

[mrfishaholic]

didnt know the vinigar trick...

 

[Ripcord01]

Vinegar is a wonderful fluid to have around. Many uses!

 

[Ratch]

That's great to know. must be mild acidic etching. I drink vinegar daily. I love the stuff, keep gallons of it around for cleaning.

 

[mrfishaholic]

I guess I just never really thought of it, good thing there are smarter guys than me out there!