ArtMetal

One easy thing to figure out a bit what the metal is, is weather it is magnetic. Will a magnet attract to it? I yes, it is some form of steel. If not, then aluminum (it is lite weight)but could also be magnesium, if silver and a bit heavy it may be zinc, if gray and very heavy it is most likely lead, if copper color,,,,, well copper, may be brass but is can also be yellow, white and other colors, might be bronze, and if sort of silvery and hard and may or may not be slightly magnetic, most likely stainless steel. Then there is also cast iron. There are other metals but I think these are the most common, with steel being the most likely as it is the most common.

Steel can be gas,stick,Mig and TIG welded. Aluminum can be welded best (I think) via TIG, but Mig and gas can be used too but a bit more difficult. Magnesium, stay away from it, it can burn and water makes it burn hotter. zinc can be soldered but not welded. Lead can be soldered. Copper alloys and copper can usually be TIG welded some more difficult than others. Mig and gas can be used for some purposes. Most Stainless can be gas, TIG, Mig or stick welded. cast iron is a bit special, can be gas welded, stick welded (special rod)and TIG welded. I do not think it can be Mig welded easily but it can be done. Usually major preheating and very slow cooldown is required no matter what method is used. Steel can be joined using all methods, each having different pros and cons. Wish you were closer as the best way to figure all this out is with a visit, but the Washington Penn. is a bit distant for an afternoon of playing in the shop (unless you are going to be out this way for a visit anyway). We feed visitors well and love to play in the shop.

Glad to have you on the list.

John Dach