TIG Welding Cast Aluminum???

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Is there anything special that needs to be done when welding cast aluminum???
Reply:Originally Posted by rahtreelimbsIs there anything special that needs to be done when welding cast aluminum???
Reply:^^^^^^ He said it all.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:I like to pre heat it to bring all the crap to the surface and then brush it off.If you can cook it in a little oven for a bit that helps too.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I'll be breaking things to learn that in the next few weeks.  Still trying to figure out settings on my 350lx to weld 1/8" 6061 with 4043.Jerry30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:Originally Posted by storemanI'll be breaking things to learn that in the next few weeks.  Still trying to figure out settings on my 350lx to weld 1/8" 6061 with 4043.Jerry
Reply:Nothing wrong with the machine.  I am a rank beginner with a fine piece of equipment.  The owner's manual says nothing except how to turn on and off the features.  In the very few hours (3 or 4) I've had to play with it, I've not figured out how to start simple.  Am getting by tigging steel, but alum is a disaster. Wish there was a tutorial available on how and when to use features on this machine.  Like any 70 year old kid with a new toy, I guess I just want to try them all and have no base line.Jerry   30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:Have you checked out http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/? Tons of great tutorials on there.
Reply:Originally Posted by DeuceTrinalHave you checked out http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/? Tons of great tutorials on there.
Reply:Originally Posted by storemanYes, thanks.  Just too much info in my head.  Need to check out Jodie again and go to simple.Jerry
Reply:Originally Posted by GarIm sure you've already been here, but just in case you missed this: http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...rticles15.htmlGar
Reply:Originally Posted by storemanNothing wrong with the machine.  I am a rank beginner with a fine piece of equipment.  The owner's manual says nothing except how to turn on and off the features.  In the very few hours (3 or 4) I've had to play with it, I've not figured out how to start simple.  Am getting by tigging steel, but alum is a disaster. Wish there was a tutorial available on how and when to use features on this machine.  Like any 70 year old kid with a new toy, I guess I just want to try them all and have no base line.Jerry
Reply:[QUOTE=shovelon;4509231]I see Jerry. Probably the biggest technique problems newbies have with AC welding is using too small wire, too small arc gap, too little amps, and not jamming the rod in from the leading edge of the puddle. And I do mean jam. Meandering will only make the rod melt and droop. And keep your torch near vertical. 5 to 10 degrees is good to start with. Figuring your torch and rod keep a 90 degree profile, and torch is 10 degrees from vertical, you can see how poking the rod in the puddle from the leading edge works. Then there is setup issues like getting a good ground, proper gas cup, tungsten size, stickout, and gas flow. Clean metal as well as filler wire is good practice, as well as not using dirty/greasy gloves. How are you at advancing the rod through your fingers? I send half a rod home with kids and have them doodle with it when they can.Thanks Terry.  I'm not good at advancing the rod.  Have had 3 spinal surgeries including 3 vertebrate fusion in my neck in past 35 years and have very little feeling in my arthritic fingers....BUT... I'm trying..... AND....I'll get there.  Thanks for the tips.Jerry30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:Mig welding cast aluminum is a real PIA so I imagine tig welding it to be ten times worse
Reply:Puty it  is the exact opposite, a piece of cake!
Reply:[QUOTE=storeman;4509361] Originally Posted by shovelon  I'm not good at advancing the rod.  Have had 3 spinal surgeries including 3 vertebrate fusion in my neck in past 35 years and have very little feeling in my arthritic fingers....BUT... I'm trying..... AND....I'll get there.  Thanks for the tips.Jerry
Reply:Awesome!  Have never heard of it.  Will check it out.  Thanks.JerryHave you considered using a TIG pen? I have used one and in some applications its good. If you are having trouble feeding the wire due to nerve damage, it might help.  You might also try sticking the TIG pen in the stock grip of an AR-15 rifle. It works well, and the butt of the grip gives you a prop, and it slides along well (use a TIG finger under the butt so it don't melt if needed).Gar[/QUOTE]30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press