Pot metal is a generic term used to describe any metal alloy that can be melted down and recast into another shape or product. This piece of metal is widely used in making the home and industry applications.

Pot metal is a metal alloy formed when a more robust metal — usually copper — is dissolved in a solution of another metal. Basically, this type of metal is a metal alloy of mostly copper with other metals.

The alloys of pot metal contain aluminum, zinc, tin, copper, lead, iron, magnesium, zinc, and cadmium. The mixture of metals is not specific for pot metal.

A common misconception is that pot metal is made from pots (hence the name), but it's actually made from melted-down scrap metal.

Nowadays, pot metals are widely used in home and industry applications. It is typically used for exterior applications such as roofs, gutters, fencing, and tools. Basically, it's a widely used metal in the current time.

How to weld pot metal

As the demand for pot metal increases for making various products, the demand for welding pot metal is also rising. As a result, many people are willing to learn the process of welding pot metal. Another reason is the demand for expert pot metal welders is also increasing. Are you one of them? If yes, then do you know how to weld a pot metal? If not, don't worry! In this article, we are going to explain all the details about the welding process of pot metal in the most comprehensive way. So, read the article and learn the process and execute your pot metal welding successfully.

1.Identify the types of pot metal:

Pot metal is a metal to metal alloy of various metals. As a result, the temperature varies, the quality varies as well as the nature varies. So, before using it as base metal, try to find out the metal type.

But, as it's a mixture of metals, it's not that easy to find out which is the most used metal in the alloy. Even if you find out about the primary metal, most of the time, the nature of the metal doesn't act like its own. And, if you try to weld in the same way you weld the primary metal, it may mess all your work. That's why it's crucial to find about the primary metal.

For this, you can simply try the heating method. Heat a small piece of the sample metal, and if the melting temperature is low, it's undoubtedly a pot metal. If you see white smoke is producing in the time of heating, then that piece of pot metal contains a higher level of zinc.

Though pot metal mostly looks like aluminum, you can simply find the difference between aluminum and pot metal by its weight as aluminum is lighter in weight.

2.Get the equipment:

Before starting the welding process, get all the necessary equipment ready.

• Get safety equipment like full sleeves shirt, pants, safety glasses, gloves, and helmet.
• Welding machine
• Accurate flux and filler rod
• You can also get a pot metal restoration kit

3. Process of how to weld pot metal:

After identifying the types of weld pot and arranging all the equipment, you can finally start your welding process. Just follow all the steps mentioned below accurately and execute the welding flawlessly.

• Clean the metal properly before starting the welding. Clean all the dust and other particles. You can soak, rinse and dry the area if required.
• Set up the welding machine. The temperature should be low for pot metal welding. The amperage varies depending on the primary metal. You can select about 80 amps as it's ideal for almost every pot metal.
• Choose the correct filler rod according to your pot metal type. You must choose a high-quality rod for the welding because it helps to do the process smoothly. If you are confused, then get a filler rod with a 400º-500º F melting temperature.
• Now, make a puddle in the base metal surfaces where you want the wedding to happen. If you are trying to fix any place, there will already be a little damaged. Make the puddle carefully and slowly at a low temperature.
• Place the filler carefully across the area to make the joint successfully. You need to put care slowly and constantly to get a stronger bond and smooth finishing. Quickness can ruin the job in this case.
• After making the joint or repairing the place, let the finished piece cool down. To make a strong bond, you have to let the welding surface cool down.
• After cooling, clean the weld piece properly, rinse all the extra particles, and use a wire brush if needed.

Benefits of pot metal:

• Melting point is low, requiring less temperature, which makes the working environment great.
• It's an inexpensive metal.
• Pot metal pieces are durable
• It has high volatility
• Easy to transform them into molds
• The welding process doesn't require any complicated tools.

Drawback of pot metals:

• They oxidize a lot and are not corrosion-resistant.
• Crack and bends over time.
• The paints on the metal surfaces tend to fade away with time.

By following the steps mentioned above, you can efficiently perform your pot metal welding. It's a very simple process. So, just follow the steps carefully and execute your pot metal welding flawlessly.

Frequently Asked Question(FAQ):

Welding pot metal? Can it be done?
Yes, a pot metal welding can surely be done. You just need to follow the process correctly, learn them properly and execute all the steps of the welding accurately. For more guidance, read the whole article carefully.

Is it hard to weld pot metals?
Pot metals welding is not that easy because it is a metal alloy. But it's not tough either. You just need to practice more to be an expert. You just need to follow all the steps carefully, and you will gradually be a pro in this task.

Can you weld pot metal to steel?
Yes, you can weld pot metal to steel. TIG welding will be the best option if you want to weld pot metal to steel. As steel and pot metal both have different characteristics, you need to be careful while doing the welding.

How to clean pot metal?
You can normally clean any particle from the surface using a cloth. Use steel wool to clean the hard particle and do grinding if necessary. But don't use a harsh cleaner as it'll make the surface dull and will also scratch it.