Is it possible to weld aluminum with a DC tig?

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I have a Everlast 200st is it possible to weld aluminum with tig? Or is it not possible. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Reply:Yes if you use helium I believe instead of argon. There are videos of it out there. It is not pretty though.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Also, for very thin aluminum, DC+ can be used with argon.The tungsten can not handle much amperage in DC+ so it must be very thin material.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Here...http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...-using-dc.htmlMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Yes if you use helium I believe instead of argon. There are videos of it out there. It is not pretty though.
Reply:I actually like a touch of Argon blended in with the Helium.
Reply:Originally Posted by HT2-4956I actually like a touch of Argon blended in with the Helium.
Reply:Possible, yes, definitely!  Practical?  Well that's why they have AC.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldPossible, yes, definitely!  Practical?  Well that's why they have AC.
Reply:I’ve played a little bit with 100% helium, on DC. Pretty much cut your amps in half compared to 100% argon on AC.  Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Helium is not cheap Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldorWesYour not going to get the penetration that you get with dcen with ac Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
Reply:I have tried it. DCEN offers no cathodic cleaning action. The gunk on the surface I presume to be mostly oxidized aluminum won't melt, but it is fragile. The puddle must be big, firmly push filler through it. The crud remains, but the weld seams reasonably sound. It isn't pretty like AC can be.WillieAn optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:Ok thanks, is it possible to change the polarity on my 225 Lincoln and then get a tig rig?Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Reply:Which 225?  A buzz box, Weldanpower or ???MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Which 225?  A buzz box, Weldanpower or ???
Reply:In the 1970's there was a gent who used to among other things weld up aluminum blocks and heads for drag racers in SoCal.    You may have heard of him; Quin Epperly, I recall watching him work magic with an ancient P&H welder DCEN.    These were not fancy "billet" no sir, nasty old cast KB, Donavan and Milidon blocks with windows in the skirt or a main that spun.Steve from SoCal now in HutchMiller Dynasty 300DX Coolmate3 Speedway TorchMiller XMT 450 MPa plus with D-74 MPa Plus Miller Bobcat 225 NTHypertherm Powermax 45And a whole bunch of machines
Reply:Originally Posted by Brax..Buzz box tumb stone.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPIf it’s a DC welder you should be able to switch the welding leads on the welder. For years I Tig welded with this old Montgomery Wards welder. But never on AC.
Reply:Exactly which welder are you talking about? If it is an ac225s  then there is no point "switching polarity". A/C is alternating current and switches between electrode positive and electrode negative 60 times per second here in the U.S.Eventual master of the obvious, practitioner of "stream of consciousness fabrication".  P.S. I edit almost every post because because I'm posting from my phone and my fingers sometimes move faster than my brain.
Reply:I haven't done it. I'd expect a HF TIG machine to work better than a buzz box for TIGging. My attempt to DC TIG aluminum was with a Dialarc HF.WillieAn optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:Originally Posted by Brax..I thought you couldn't tig on DC?