Is Welding Worth It?

[Spark]

Originally Posted by techhelpbb

As mentioned aluminum welds are typically not as strong as the aluminum itself. Welds can add material so they can add weight. Welds can embrittle material. Welds can cause oxidation. Welds can be deceptive.

Just adding that although welds do weaken metal you have to keep in mind that drilling lots of holes in a piece of metal for rivets or bolts can weaken it as well. Welds, if done RIGHT are the strongest option, but rivets and bolts are faster.