Not that frightening, it took twenty or more years to remove the paint. Man I am sorry every time I mention a bike not made of 531 or above on this site. Some people seem to think if it's not over $650 new, it will fall apart if you cough too loud next to it. Wouldn't put heat to that fork why? As long as you don't plunge it into ice cold water right after welding, it would not affect it at all?