Possible to weld aluminum with Co2/Argon mix?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 15:35:39 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Possible to weld aluminum with Co2/Argon mix?

I have a Hobart Handler 135. In the directions, it recommends that 100% Argon be used for aluminum. The only gas I have is a Co2/Argon mix and I don't want to buy 100% Argon if I don't have to being that I only have a small amount of aluminum to be welded. Can I use my Co2/Argon mix? I think it's 75% Co2 and 25% Argon.
Reply:Originally Posted by fishnakedI only have a small amount of aluminum to be welded. Can I use my Co2/Argon mix?
Reply:Hey Fishnaked, there may be some alternatives available to you - if you want to avoid the expense of an argon cylinder/gas/regulator-flow meter, change of gun liner, etc.It all depends upon the piece of aluminum.  I would not suggest this for any critical applications but...Your local Tractor Supply Company (TSC) store carries Hobart aluminum instick welding rods - $10, need an arcwelder capable of a minimum of 70 amps DC (not AC)brazing rod - $12, likely need a propane or Mapp gas torchI've used the welding rod.  It takes some getting used to but it does the job - if the aluminum pieces to be joined are at least 1/8 inch thick or thicker.  I used it at 80 amps, electrode positive and the weld was OK.I've not used the brazing rod but I suspect it is a lot like a product called muggyweld - see the web site for the use and applications at http://www.muggyweld.com/It's a low temperature (700 F) brazing rod designed for repairing aluminum.e.g. irrigation tubing, carburetor bowls, aluminum boats, outboard motor housings and castings (aluminum and magnesium)Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:Fishnaked, you'll also find that even if you get 100% argon, the results with that machine may leave much to be desired for two reasons. First alum wire feeds poorly thru standad guns, that why most use  a spoolgun for alum mig. Second your machine really lacks the balls to do much with alum. At best you might get satisfacory results with 1/16" and the machine maxed out on both heat and wire speed. Thinner material and you probably find yourself blowing big holes in the material, thicker and all you will get is a cold weld. You really need a 180 amp class machine to have much of a chance at say up to 1/8" alum..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thanks, guys! That was very helpful. This was for a rack for my motorcycle so it needs to be reasonably strong. I no longer have access to an arc welder but I do know someone that I believe has a bigger/nicer welder than mine. Or, I may have to rethink my project and either do something that requires no welding or go with regular steel.Thanks again for the help! It's nice to be able to come onto a forum like this and get such quick and helpful answers.