[PSUBS-MAILIST] Aluminum Welding Technique Question

[Steve McQueen via Personal_Submersibles]

Thanks Dan.  I did use 100% argon gas but my tungsten has a red band (2%
thoriated).  I am also getting to know my machine settings so I'm sure they
where off. Lots to learn!

Steve



On Tue, Apr 22, 2014 at 7:28 PM, Daniel Lance via Personal_Submersibles <
personal_submersibles at psubs.org> wrote:

> Steve,
> Are you using pure tungsten ( green band on one end ) and argon shielding
> gas ? . With the torch set on DC+ you will usually experience a tungsten
> melt down. Just set the machine on AC and run a pass on some scrap aluminum
> . You will get a balled end . Not to complicate things but a balled end is
> not exactly the most preferred condition in the world. But unless you have
> an inverter type machine with lots of parameter adjustments you really
> don't have much choice.  Alec is correct the amperage setting depends on
> the thickness of the material you are working with . If you are trying to
> join a thin piece to a thick piece its ok to preheat the thick piece first
> , just don't exceed 250 degrees F. Old oxidized aluminum is very difficult
> to weld unless the crusty white scale is removed . It should be nice and
> "shiny" before you start . And of course a little preheat never hurt
> anybody . Aluminum is a near perfect material for marine use , it is easy
> to cut , form , shape and weld . It can be painted , anodized or just left
> in its original mill finish.
> As far getting welding advice from Youtube , the only source I would
> recommend is "Welding Tips and Tricks" . This guy is really, really good .
> Hope this helps,
> Dan Lance
>
>
> On Tue, Apr 22, 2014 at 11:49 AM, Steve McQueen via Personal_Submersibles
> <personal_submersibles at psubs.org> wrote:
>
>> I attempted some Aluminum welding this weekend.  I needed to tack 2
>> together pieces of a trolling motor mount I modified for my stern thruster.
>>
>> I watched a video that said it is important to first first strike an arc
>> on DC+ for a few seconds to create a "ball" on the tungsten tip prior to
>> going back to the AC mode.
>>
>> It was unclear in the video if the arc was being struck on an Aluminum
>> piece or the Steel welding table surface.  Does it matter?
>>
>> Also they said the amp range should be set to 55-75.  Seem OK?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Steve
>>
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