Heat Shrinking Aluminum

Gary asked: "Hey Rick, Would you please describe in detail your method for heat-shrinking aluminum?"

Rick replied in message 21348:

I learned the fundamentals of heat shrinking steel and aluminum from an "old timer" years ago. Now I suppose I am falling into that category. I have a tightly filled sand bag about 4" square that the one leather face has shrunk smooth and tight from backing up hot aluminum. I blacken lightly the area to be shrunk with acetylene. Burn off an area that is approx. two square inches or even a little more and then use your polished steel or wooden slapper to move the metal in toward the softened spot working gently and quickly in a radial fashion. Hitting the panel too hard will stretch this critical area.

The other key to shrinking any type of metal is to use a wiping action with the hammer. You are not trying to trap excess metal as if closing off a ruffled edge. Rather you are trying to move or gather the metal into a more confined area.

Heat shrinking aluminum is a little scary only because the metal tends to move in a big way when you heat it. Don't be intimidated by it. It will return as it cools. Just approach it methodically and you should be OK.

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