Galvanized steel and aluminum

[Ranger J.]

I am planning on starting a rebuild on my jon boat Soon. I was able to get some free galvanized steel posts and some old road signs I plan on using as the decking. Does anyone know how I can use the galvanized steel and aluminum together to keep them from reacting to each othe? And how to cut and paint the steel? The steel is 2in square tubingAny additional information will be useful.

 

[Insanity]

I don't no. But I thought I'd mention in case you or others don't no. Never breath the fumes from galvanize when welding or cutting with a torch. That's some bad stuff.

I'd try cutting it with a steel cutoff wheel on a circle saw. However the 2 inch might be to thick. You might have to cut one side then meet the cut on the other. Carful you don't pinch the blade it will shatter and cut the devil out of you. I've got a two inch scare to prove it. Happened last month with a grinder. Which will also cut it. Be dang carful with it. :mrgreen:

Welcome aboard! And be sure to take lots of pics for us.

 

[Ranger J.]

I do plan on using a 10" 7" and a grinder wheel to cut it. And to clarify it is only an 1/8" thick and 2" wide.

 

[Insanity]

I do plan on using a 10" 7" and a grinder wheel to cut it. And to clarify it is only an 1/8" thick and 2" wide.

I was following you.
I meant the blade on a 7 inch circle saw might not adjust down far enough to cut threw two inch square tubing. It would rip the signs in a straight line.
The metal chips and heat are hard on the bearing in a circle saw il warn you. I killed one already.
Use a cheap o saw. :mrgreen:

 

[huntinfool]

I know when I install hitches on vehicles sometimes I have to add a galvanic corrosion barrier, which is just a plastic piece of tape.

 

[Ranger J.]

Appreciate the tips.

 

[Ranger J.]

I know when I install hitches on vehicles sometimes I have to add a galvanic corrosion barrier, which is just a plastic piece of tape.

Is it that simple to protect them from each other? Something like liquid tape or rubber.

 

[Johnny]

a few wraps of black vinyl electrical will be fine.
one gallon size plastic Bleach jug cut to size will also work.

 

[Ranger J.]

I plan on using rivets to hold everything together. But since it is galvanized steel steel and the weight of the pieces should I use nuts and bolts to put everything together? This will be my first project with an aluminum boat and working with metal. I will get pics posted soon of boat and materials I plan on using.

 

[smackdaddy53]

Save yourself some heartache and use aluminum framework.

 

[richg99]

I think smackdaddy is right. No matter how much you might save using the galvanized, you will have more weight, corrosion potential; and hard-to-work issues.

By the time you mess up some power tools and buy extra cutting wheels, etc., I imagine the extra cost of the aluminum won't be much.

richg99

 

[Ranger J.]

I think smackdaddy is right. No matter how much you might save using the galvanized, you will have more weight, corrosion potential; and hard-to-work issues.

By the time you mess up some power tools and buy extra cutting wheels, etc., I imagine the extra cost of the aluminum won't be much.

richg99

I think yal are right. That's partly why I am so hesitant to start working with the metal I have. I may hit up the local junk yards to find some aluminum pieces.

 

[richg99]

If you don't find what you want at junk yards, I was pleasantly surprised at the low cost of aluminum from a metal warehouse company.

 

[smackdaddy53]

A stick of 2x2" aluminum angle is about a dollar a foot