"Crusty" Aluminum TIG welds

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Hey guys! So, Ive got a slight issue with my aluminum TIG welds from time to time... They basically come out looking like whats in the attached picture. Im running about 25cfh of Argon, and a 3/32" 2% tho. Tungsten, with 1/8" 4043 wire on an outside corner joint, made from brand new 3/16" 4041. Any ideas?Thanks in advance, guys... Attached Images[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:You overheated the material. That's the silicon coming out of the 4043 filler causing that "sandy" look. Usually it comes from taking too long to form a puddle and using too low an amp setting..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:If you are talking about how grainy it is or the "dots" it's due to using 4043 filler. First pass is usually good and every other pass will have it. Due to the metal being pre heated and I think it has to do with the solidification rate. Switch to 5356 and you won't have this issue.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:Way to hot bud. Heat eats corners for breakfast.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Too much argon and way too much heat.Miller Big 40GMiller HF-251 D High FreqVictor OA Lincoln 135 MigMK 3A CobramaticBridgeport J HeadCronatron OxylanceRadnor ACAG TorchWeldcraft TIG Torches1 blown knee and two 5 Gallon pails away from being a hero.
Reply:Originally Posted by LanseHey guys! So, Ive got a slight issue with my aluminum TIG welds from time to time... They basically come out looking like whats in the attached picture. Im running about 25cfh of Argon, and a 3/32" 2% tho. Tungsten, with 1/8" 4043 wire on an outside corner joint, made from brand new 3/16" 4041. Any ideas?Thanks in advance, guys...
Reply:4043 aluminum, I goofed...Okay, so I let off the heat and things are MUCH better now...Huh, that coulda been much worse/more complicated.Thanks, guys! [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Just for the record, what amps were you running and how many now?I run 200-230 amps with an old transformer welder, 50/50 balance.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:Check out welder mike's photo within the past couple days, Post 23 How do you hold your filler wire. It's enough to make me drool. I wonder if I don't drink enough.Last edited by Willie B; 11-04-2014 at 09:41 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by Cape Cod GaryToo much argon and way too much heat.
Reply:chucke2009,yooo.....im new here.......watched a bunch of yer videos.....coolrich
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonYes, 25cfh is a lot of argon. What size cup are you running? And I assume that is an aircooled torch?
Reply:Backing off the heat is one way. Hauling asz and feeding the rod harder to chill the weld is another. I prefer the later unless profuse base metal dilution is in order, 4043 needs base metal dilution to achieve adequate strength for structural applications.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.