[Arctic Fox]

Does anybody here have the technology and skill to re-weld two bits of titanium tube?

[tophcfa]

Not impossible, but that is very difficult to do. If anyone can do it, I suspect it would be Villagetinker. My welding skills are limited to materials that a magnet sticks to.

[villagetinker]

VT here, sorry I do not have the necessary equipment for welding Titanium, however depending on the application there MIGHT be alternatives. I would need to completely understand the application to see if there were any alternatives. I would try searching in the Tampa or Orlando areas for this expertise.

[villagetinker]

I did a quick search, and high-end bicycle shops may have the TIG welder for titanium bike frames, as well as custom automotive exhaust shops, my final guess would be some aircraft shops. This is a very highly specialized function and well beyond my talents. If i think of anything else, I will post.

[Topspinmo]

My experience working jet engines Titanium very hard to weld without cracking, heated, welded, then baked and even then good change unless in sterile industrial environment still might crack if not cooled down properly. Usually some type gas introduced during process.

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I would need to completely understand the application to see if there were any alternatives.

It is the left hand side bottom tube on my bike, running from the pedal area to the rear axle.

Only just noticed it while removing the rear wheel to fix a puncture - it could have been broken for years.

Not sure what strain that tube has to take - I should think most is taken by the tube running down from the saddle area to the rear axle.

I suspect that a non-welding fix will have to suffice, but whether that's gluing on a tube that fits snugly on the outside of the broken tube or just coming up with a bracket to bridge the gap...

I'm not too worried about the aesthetics :-)

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

It is the left hand side bottom tube on my bike, running from the pedal area to the rear axle.

Only just noticed it while removing the rear wheel to fix a puncture - it could have been broken for years.

Not sure what strain that tube has to take - I should think most is taken by the tube running down from the saddle area to the rear axle.

I suspect that a non-welding fix will have to suffice, but whether that's gluing on a tube that fits snugly on the outside of the broken tube or just coming up with a bracket to bridge the gap...

I'm not too worried about the aesthetics :-)

OK, try google maps, search welding shops, I think I saw a bike repair shop listed, also I will send you a PM to discuss further.

[tophcfa]

It’s kind of expensive, but Devon titanium putty should do the trick. JB weld metal epoxy might work, but it’s not designed for titanium. I would definitely find a way to fix the bicycle tube, it could present a safety risk.

[Stu from NYC]

Could a very strong epoxy adhesive work?

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

It’s kind of expensive, but Devon titanium putty should do the trick. JB weld metal epoxy might work, but it’s not designed for titanium. I would definitely find a way to fix the bicycle tube, it could present a safety risk.

Agree stop drill ends of crack and epoxy it.

What is the downside of titanium bike frames?
Titanium has some distinct downsides, though. Its extreme strength makes it very difficult to work with. It can't even be welded in air, and that means repairs can be quite expensive. The material itself isn't cheap, either, as it's rarer than other metals used in bike frames.Feb 8, 2023

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

What is the downside of titanium bike frames?

True, it's really the weight and the fact that it doesn't deteriorate (rust or corrode).

The bike was shipped to me as a kit and I could not believe how light the frame was - could lift it up on my little finger. Of course, once everything had been bolted on it was a different story. Even more so once I got on it!

[coralway]

Log onto the AWS website and ask your question. Lot of certified welders in the area.

[Karadad]

I was a welding metalurgy engineer for 41 years. Welding Ti is very difficult. You need a find a very specialized source.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by Karadad

I was a welding metalurgy engineer for 41 years. Welding Ti is very difficult. You need a find a very specialized source.

I agree completely, I am meeting with the OP to see if it is possible (reasonable) to install a stainless steel rod or tube to reinforce the crack. I will post results.

[TommyT]

Have you tried here ??

Village Cycles - The Villages, FL