Unpopular opinion: I was using way too much heat on aluminum panels for years

I was working on a 2015 Honda Accord quarter panel last month, trying to shrink a small oil can dent. I had my torch set the same way I always do for steel, maybe a 2 inch blue flame, and I was working it slowly. The metal started to get that dull gray color, but I kept going, thinking it just needed a bit more. My buddy Mike, who was prepping a car next to me, just said, 'Whoa, Claire, you're gonna cook it.' I stopped and let it cool. When I felt it, the spot was way too soft, almost gummy. I realized I'd been treating aluminum like mild steel this whole time, using the same heat levels and timing. Aluminum soaks up heat so fast, you barely need any. Now I use a low, soft yellow flame and move it constantly, for maybe 15 seconds tops. Has anyone else had that moment where they realized a basic technique was totally wrong for a specific material?

2 comments

2 Comments

price.alice4h ago

Almost gummy" is exactly how I'd describe my first time with aluminum too. You learn that lesson fast.

spencer_johnson221h ago

Nah, you just need more practice with the torch. I run mine hot on aluminum all the time and it comes out fine.