DCEN tig on aluminum?

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I seen a video Mr. Tig did on aluminum tig welding on dc negative. "The lost art" he called it. If thats true could I do it off my scratch start setup if I can get my hands on some helium? I was really curious since I watched the video. Help the 15 year old outSent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Yes but helium is mad expensive these days. After a couple bottles you could by a a/c machine for as much as you spent. Ever notice you haven't seen helium balloons in a while.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Is there an alternative to helium for aluminum tig?Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13Is there an alternative to helium for aluminum tig?
Reply:Yes, AC tig..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:I have a argon bottle. For tig welding steel. So we got gas, what else do we need? Tungsten? Filler?Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13I have a argon bottle. For tig welding steel. So we got gas, what else do we need?
Reply:CEPs' argon, DSWs' AC and . . . continuous high frequency.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 weldermikeYes but helium is mad expensive these days. After a couple bottles you could by a a/c machine for as much as you spent. Ever notice you haven't seen helium balloons in a while.
Reply:I tried this and failed awhile ago. Going to revisit it soon.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:Ill post up some pics in the near future, if I can borrow my buddy's gopro i will make a video. It is sooty but it works cat's ***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:The helium involved with DC tig work on Aluminum revolves around a simple fact that helium allows more given heat input per unit of current then argon or other gases.  The difference is there but it is not night and day as some would have you believe.  DC tig on aluminum is difficult and and the thicker the material the worse it is....however it is pulled out in extreme cases with very thick aluminum simply because adequate ac PS do not exist, where as there are heavier dc ps units that do.  You need to avoid this if you can unless you are forced by material density to go to a DC power supply.
Reply:I've played with it some. 1st picture is with my Dynasty on DCEN with 100% helium, 2nd , and 3rd picture with my V350-Pro, and Tig rig no pedal, 4th picture with a friends Longevity Stickweld 250, my Tig rig no pedal. With out a pedal only way to control the heat is move faster. The welds made with the Tig rig on 10-GA were made at 50-amps. 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:CEP, what diameter tungsten did you use on these pieces?and maybe it's a language problem, but exactly what is a tig rig? is that the same as a torch (+ cables)? if not, please explain?and 10ga is about 2.5 mm (I live in a metric world ;-) ) - what are your thoughts on penetration and weld soundness with 50 amps?
Reply:Originally Posted by kingneroCEP, what diameter tungsten did you use on these pieces?and maybe it's a language problem, but exactly what is a tig rig? is that the same as a torch (+ cables)? if not, please explain?and 10ga is about 2.5 mm (I live in a metric world ;-) ) - what are your thoughts on penetration and weld soundness with 50 amps?
Reply:So I need a 3/32 ceriated tungsten? What filler? And im assuming I need 100% heliumSent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13So I need a 3/32 ceriated tungsten? What filler? And im assuming I need 100% helium
Reply:So i could use argon but I would of have to crank up the amps? Whats the rule of thumb for welding aluminum amperage wise? Ill be welding I believe 3/16 golfcart frameSent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Thx for the pics - I know what it is but I don't see those things very often over here - most weldors are stationary, and have dedicated tig torches and leads. didn't know it was called a "tig rig".clearly no problem when it comes to penetration. As I only have a DC tig machine at home, I must get me some helium and try this for myself. I would have thought I'd need a thicker tungsten, but then again, you only used 50 Amps. Much less as what I expected. Learned something interesting here.
Reply:Originally Posted by kingnerodidn't know it was called a "tig rig".
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749That first one looks great CEP.
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13So i could use argon but I would of have to crank up the amps? Whats the rule of thumb for welding aluminum amperage wise? Ill be welding I believe 3/16 golfcart frameSent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Crude Helium price from the Bureau of Land Management has doubled over the last 15 years (mostly just recently).  But it is still only 10 cents per cubic foot.http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medial...ed%20Price.pdf"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Cep,those are 1/8? About how many amps did you have to use?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:10 cents per cubic foot doesn't sound right?Sent from my C811 4G using TapatalkOriginally Posted by GambleCep,those are 1/8? About how many amps did you have to use?
Reply:So if I get the right tungsten, hook it up to my argon bottle, set the machine to 150 amps or so. And weld a crack in 3/16 aluminum(after I grind and drill it out of course) would the weld be sufficient enough? Or would it just be worth it to break down and buy a spool gun for my longevity?Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Swampy, your parents almost bought you a engine drive before you screwed up your school grades. Put your nose to the books and put your thinkin cap on and get those grades up. Even if they're not up to par, show a little effort and kiss a little butt, and maybe by summer you'll have a ac/dc drive coming your way! So get studying and pucker up buttercup!I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeSwampy, your parents almost bought you a engine drive before you screwed up your school grades. Put your nose to the books and put your thinkin cap on and get those grades up. Even if they're not up to par, show a little effort and kiss a little butt, and maybe by summer you'll have a ac/dc drive coming your way! So get studying and pucker up buttercup!
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeSwampy, your parents almost bought you a engine drive before you screwed up your school grades. Put your nose to the books and put your thinkin cap on and get those grades up. Even if they're not up to par, show a little effort and kiss a little butt, and maybe by summer you'll have a ac/dc drive coming your way! So get studying and pucker up buttercup!
Reply:Well than all I can say is give mom plenty of foot massages and keep on smoochin some butt. Trust me bud, my parents raised me hard and strict and it caused lots of conflict when I was young. They were lenient on a lot of things but fist down strict on other things, and sometimes fist to the side of the head strict. I wound up moving out on my own at 19yrs old, and realized shortly after why they raised me like they did. I was different then everyone else, but in a good way, and it took being a lone struggler to realize it. So in short little buddy, they must be doing something right b/c there isn't too many 15yr olds out there with a stash of money in the bank already and some decent welding and fab skills like you got at a early age. Remember! Knowledge is power, but only if you use it brother! Now go kiss some butt and rub moms tootsies!I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Mike every simple question turns into a life lesson with you somehow. It boggles meSent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Don't let it boggle you too much I'm only giving advise to ya bud cause your only a 15 yr old kid with some talent and a head on your shoulders and I like that. Got it brother!I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeDon't let it boggle you too much I'm only giving advise to ya bud cause your only a 15 yr old kid with some talent and a head on your shoulders and I like that. Got it brother!
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13hook it up to my argon bottle
Reply:Yeah a spoolgun is looking better and better right now Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13Yeah a spoolgun is looking better and better right now
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPThen you can use your 100% argon bottle.
Reply:Yo bud here's a pic from today. Another kid I met when he was 15 and didn't know how to take me. I was hard on him at times and his best bud at times. All depended on the situation at hand. He has a wallet full of certs right now and just starting to reap the benefits of strong advise. Making real good money and just weeks away from making sick money and he just turned 21. My little buddy Tom. So listen and sift out good from bad when people open  up  to you once in a while. Before I fly to Florida and give you a wedgie in front of your friends. I need a break from the cold anyway so any reason is good enough to get the fck outta here. I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPOK listen up! This is important! If you're going to weld aluminum on DCEN, you need a minimum of 75% helium! You can not use 100% argon welding aluminum on DCEN!
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13Is there extra precautions to take when welding a crack in an aluminum golfcart frame? Preheat, cleaning, drilling, etc?
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveIn this 2011 thread wookiewelding lists 100% argon on DC-(Along with hours of practice)http://forum.longevity-inc.com/showt...)-aluminum-tig
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYou just can't trust anything you read now a days!
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveWell, mostly I'm just pulling your chain since it sounds like it was very difficult for him
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI didn't read far, but seen the first picture. When I did it with my Dynasty years ago, there was a very, very small window in tungsten to base metal length where the arc would start. Now with my V350-Pro, and the Stickweld 250 the arc started with no problems at all!
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveThis weekend I have some welding to do - I'm going to try my old airco beastie and see if it will do anything with DC- and argon.Just because your book, my book, and all the research says not to....doesn't mean I shouldn't
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveThis weekend I have some welding to do - I'm going to try my old airco beastie and see if it will do anything with DC- and argon.Just because your book, my book, and all the research says not to....doesn't mean I shouldn't
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI was going to try it myself, but I'm really tied up helping a 90+ year old neighbor lady clean up her yard, before the health department fines her. Lucky me! I guess that's what I get for having a 1-ton dually, dump trailer, and tractor. Other day I took 63 tires to the dump! Please report back on how it goes.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveI heard this welding thing is easy and anyone can do it - yours and CEP's weld pics often show just how easy this tig thing really is.
Reply:I think im gonna get my hands on some 4043 and 2% ceriated tungsten and hook up the argon. Just for $hits and giggles Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk