biggs

I had a custom built alloy racing frame which was quickly recalled after they found problems with the batch of tubing.

They smothed the welding on the original, and it looked absolutely gorgeous. However, the rebuild has come back with _ugly_ welding beads all over the joins.

They seem to be suggesting that it can't be smoothed down for structural reasons, even though it was before. I (in my usual untrusting view) am worried that they just don't want the cost of grinding it down and re-painting.

Does anybody have any knowledge or opinions about this sort of thing?

Thanks,
--Biggs

Jonny B

Smoothing welds does make the joint less strong, but whether it will make a difference I cannot say. If it was steel or Ti I doubt it would and I'd tell you to talk to them about, but since it's ally I say just leave it. If it's really ugly then by all means do something about it, but very few frames have smoothed welds, we just put up with it

Provence

My new Specialized Allez Comp frame has very smooth welds.

Phil from VA

I don't own a Cannondale, but I think they used to claim that their smooth filed welds actually made a stronger joint. My Pinarello has finished welds and has a reputation for strength.

john999

They wouldn't grind it down, but make a deeper weld using a different welding process. Machine welds of Aluminium are beaded.

They may have had to change the process if they changed the tubing.