Any adive on welding aluminum

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Hello fine folks, as i've said before (i think) my name is t.j. im 21 and in my 2nd semester of welding school in florence south carolina. started running a few pads of beads on aluminum today. machin is an esab 352 heli-arc, using 100% 3/32 tungsten and argon shielding gas. i passed flat and horizontal, but was wondering if any of ya'll could give me some words of wisdom. thanks
Reply:Practice PracticeThe key to aluminum is to try variations until you build confidence. Put plenty of heat to the joint start moving, back off the heat just a little once you are going keep moving.It will take more heat than you thinkDon't dwell keep movingStart with thicker material .180- .200 the really thin stuff will just make you mad.Keep it clean!!!Study everything you can, this guy has some good tips for tigging aluminum.www.weldingtipsandtricks.comBecoming proficient with aluminum is a big deal, not every one has the patience.Relax, hood time is the only way to get it. Be willing to spend a lot of it.Once you get it, it's fun. Learning  to hover a helicopter is easier. Seriously !Last edited by Mountain Metal; 11-15-2010 at 11:46 PM.Mountain MetalDynasty 200DXCoolmate 1Miller Trailblazer 302 W/ KohlerMiller Suitcase 12VS Wire feederWeldcraft 26 TIG TorchMiller 210 Spoolmate 3035Thermal Dynamics 51 PlasmaVictor O/AJet  7x12 L Cooled Band SawDelta Drill Press
Reply:thanks, i figure thats all i need but when your in school and have no welding time other than a few hours a week it really really sucks. but i can run stinger beads in all positions, now on to t-joints and lap joints