Changing the Temper of 2023T3 ?

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Spike
Chief Rivet Banger
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Changing the Temper of 2023T3 ?

Post by Spike »

Ive noticed during construction that when using the scotchbrite wheel when cleaning up some of these parts that they get darned hot to the touch. Im curious as to whether or not this would affect the temper / hardness of the aluminum rendering them weaker? I was just cleaning up all of the press marks on the edges of my VS spar doubler and noticed it got quite warm. Thoughts?

-- Spike
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Current Build: 2 years into a beautiful little girl

Dan A
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Location: Cheney, WA USA

Post by Dan A »

Spike, Not to worry. I don't think you can get 2024T3 warm enough with the scotchbrite wheel without grinding away most of the metal. I don't remember the exact temps., but I think it is about 450 deg. F. before you can do any damageor remove the temper.. Just keep at it! you'll have pieces going together before you know it and it will start to look like an airplane! :roll:
Dan

Spike
Chief Rivet Banger
Posts: 4013
Joined: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:40 pm
Location: Baltimore, MD
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Post by Spike »

Thats great information Dan. Thanx!! Im already getting excited. The HS is ready for primer and the VS is ready for primer (except the skins). Building this thing is a relaxing blast!
http://www.rivetbangers.com - Now integrating web and mail!
Current Build: 2 years into a beautiful little girl

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