Filling problem holes

[HuwD]

Hi,

I've madea couple of decorative pieces for a project from 1mm steel. Ultimately I want get final pieces chromed but there are number of little holes in the weld which I can't fill without blowing through despite hours of trying. Is there any kind of filler I can use just to get a smooth finish that won't cause a problem for the chrome? Not worried about strength just the finish.

Thanks

 

[Spark plug]

Hold a pice of copper bar behind the hole, then weld it.

This will prevent it blowing through and the weld won't stick to the copper.

 

[Spark plug]

The other alternative would be to silver solder / braze it.

 

[HuwD]

Tried the copper thing but it's a tight space and an awkward shape so could really get the copper in there. Silver solder sounds promising though. Thanks

 

[Kent]

if you can get some copper to just slightly over the hole size in behind there is always a way to hold it in. Will solder or lead loading etc be any use if its for chrome plating?

 

[HuwD]

As far as I'm aware as long as it'll carry a current it should be ok to chrome. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Kent]

but can the change be seen in the final finish as polish and any etch will take differently wont it? heck I have only ever made one batch of stuff that went for chrome though

 

[Jan]

When 'bright polished' the difference between the before and after pictures is undetectable to the naked eye. If you don't get it this good the chromed item will have a rubbish finish. It's like painting. Get the preparation work done correctly and the result will be good. Don't and it won't.