Alrighty, did some stainless and some aluminized steel welding, and finished it off with some aluminum, before the argon in the tank ran out. I don't know exactly which filler I was using, since I was using my friend's steel and aluminum filler.

I did use some wire brushes to clean and some acetone. On the aluminum I used all of the above and a stainless brush.

Question,what settings do you people use for AL tigging such as Hz, %, Sec, wavelength type,amperage,etc.? The aluminum I was using was 1/16" angle bar, that you get at home depot. What rod filler do you recommend for that aluminum???

I included a pic of the front of the machine and the way I had it setup for aluminum, and let me know what I should change my settings to.

Last but not least, I noticed the arc at first was unstable, then it would concentrate on one area, but randomly still jumping around. I was using pure tungsten, ground correctly with the direction of flow, flattened tip, then put a ball on the tip when welding. I am wondering if using ceriated or zirconiated tungsten would help, I was welding AL at about 25-30 amps.

I appreciate the feedback, as I am really wanting to master tig welding, especially AL.

This is the aluminized steel tube.


This is stainless, or looked to be stainless steel tube.


Practice bead with no filler on AL.


Meh on aluminum.


More AL before the argon began to run out.


Picture of the machine Thermal Arc 185

 

Let me know if any of you need some more info, in case I am forgetting to mention some things.

 

For aluminum, 30 amps isn't going to cut it. On 1/8 inch, I use about 90 amps and move fast. 1/4 inch, I use about 180 amps and move fast. Have a few beers tonight before you go out there...that helps me keep my welds in a straight line.

 

get some clean flat stock to practice on. Only god knows what type of AL that is. Some types aren't weldable and some kind of are but suck ***.

Get some 1/4 thick 6061 AL some 1/4 plate in mild(not hot rolled ****) and stainless. practice and report back.

 

You're aluminum looks like the aluminum strips from Home Depot,If it is It's anodized try getting aluminum from a metal suply place that isn't anodized + it's WAY cheaper then those strips.

Nice machine

 

You need to get your rod hand more comfortable.And maybe your torch hand too.But adding the rod is as important as melting the base metal as far as looking good.Also you need to practice on your rhythm when adding the rod.You look like you have the basics,Now you just need to practice.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LBHgti &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Have a few beers tonight before you go out there...that helps me keep my welds in a straight line. </TD></TR></TABLE>

haha, i completely know what you mean. i welded a little buzzed the other day and was amazed at how steady my hands were...not condoning drinking and welding but just sharing my experience lol.

 

Funny thing, on the second day of practicing I didn't have any beer and noticed I was shaking a lot more. I'll try picking up some good metal ASAP.

Any info on the eratic arc, I was wondering if using ceriated or zirconiated tungsten would help with that? Could it be my settings, such as wavelength type etc.. I have an idea now what my %, and amperage should be at, but have no clue as to Hz, sec, and wavelength.

Essex, yes it's the aluminum from Home Depot.

One last thing, on the opposite side, there was a coral reef buildup looking penetration, what is that caused from?


Modified by Pat McGroin at 4:22 PM 4/13/2007

 

I think its erratic becuse it's not enouh amps and you are trying to burn through the anodizing.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by essex &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think its erratic becuse it's not enouh amps and you are trying to burn through the anodizing.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sounds about right, I had just finished reading a good article saying that a dirty/annodized piece can cause arc wandering.

http://www.artsautomotive.com/...m.htm

 

Nice choice of machine. I have the same one.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CSaddict &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Nice choice of machine. I have the same one.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It is a friend's machine. I myself plan on getting a Miller dynasty once the funds become available.