The 4130 can be gas welded. It will last longer than you will,
if it is dry inside when welded.
It is stronger than stainless in the same section.
You can wash the inside with Linseed oil and weld the hole shut
when finished. Then it will outlast all of us. You can use scrap 4130
from aircraft salvage.
You can fix it anywhere there is a gas torch. Not just a TIG
set. Rare at little airports.
Check the Dillsburg aeroplane co. In Dillsburg Pa. for best new
prices.
Thanks
for the comments Lynn. I only have TIG to weld with, and the gyro won't be
traveling unless it's on a trailer, so weldability isn't an issue. I
did figure that 4130 was stronger, but don't know if it's enough to
matter, particularly since I'll be probably using 2-3 times the size I
really need. Fortunately, the quantity I need is so small that I
won't be shopping around for price. I'll just order from McMaster
Carr, and have it next day via UPS ground. Gotta love the way that
works :-)
Cheers,
Rusty