Smoker Craft...are they welded?

[skookum9]

Wooly Russ, thank you for your input. I gather then that you think 5083 would not be a good choice for me? Is it just the extra cost that makes you think that or is it simply not as optimum of a selection for my purpose? Again, thank you for your knowledgeable input. I can use either a MIG or TIG as I have both to choose from. Of course, personally, I wish that I could do it all with oxy-acetalene as that is my personal favorite. But I don't think that would be a very good choice for what I am doing. It sounds like you would suggest that I stick with MIG instead of TIG, I'll have to give that some thought. I can see what you mean though since MIG would do less heat damage overall. I intend to make an aluminum trailer for this boat as well and want to go all out on this project. Your advice will go a long way to helping me to do it right.

 

[Wooly Russ]

5083 would be the better material, if cost and availability are not an issue. 5083 has better corrosion resistance to salt water (this alloy does not contain copper) and also is not as much affected by heat when welded. My earlier post was more based on an occasional use in salt, as well as cost and availability.