Soda Can Weld

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I know , I know , kinda dumb . But , I am a rookie with the tig torch so I felt a certain accomplishment when I was able to stick these two aluminum cans together on my second try without burning any holes . Not pretty , but it is fully welded .So, if you guys have tried this before let's see a few shots so I can see how it's REALLY done Mine was done using a Syncrowave 200 , .040 ceriated tungston , 1/16 filler , no pulse ,machine set at 50 amps .BTW , that's the thin end of the cans( no lip ) welded together . Attached ImagesLast edited by Tigster200; 07-10-2008 at 12:57 PM.
Reply:not bad. it looks like there may be a few little cold spots in there, but i can't critisize. that takes patience and skill. i have always wanted to see someone cut a can in half (top to bottom) and weld the entire thing back up. that way you can weld the thinnest and the thickest part of the can.Later,Andy
Reply:andy, i have done the thinnest part with on of those aluminum braze rods.  it is pretty cool.  it is also water tight.  i know that doesn't count, but it is still impresses the general public.
Reply:LOL.. you cheater!
Reply:something to try next time would be to drill a hole in the bottom of one of the cans.  When you're done welding, you can then put that can on top, fill it with water, and see if water comes out at the weld.
Reply:cool.. i know a guy who makes airplanes outta soda canshttp://www.aloumac.ca/
Reply:Not bad. I myself love to see stuff like this. Gives me motivation to want to get a Tig welder.
Reply:Sure I can, where's the duct tape? City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Originally Posted by tanglediverSure I can, where's the duct tape?
Reply:443 views and not one other image ?Come on guys , give it a try and post your results
Reply:Originally Posted by Tigster200443 views and not one other image ?Come on guys , give it a try and post your results
Reply:I tried this yesterday and I guess my machine has a problem at lower amperages or something, because anything under 60amp and the arc is wildly erratic, makes everything black and blows holes in it. If I bump it up just a teeny bit, the arc cleans up but then its definitely to hot and blows holes in it. I've welded some stuff in the .040 area before but I guess the cans are just to thin or something, I'm not sure. Maybe I'm not getting a good ground, how are you guys grounding to the cans?
Reply:I am definitely no expert with the tig torch , but man , those aluminum cans are some thin . I layed them on their side , butt to butt , and put the ground clamp on the worktable . It was not perfect , but it did work . I found it very challenging not to blow anyholes in the cans ,  believe me . So , did I want a stacked dimes bead ? Yes . Could I do it ?  Not a chance     Makes welding 1/16 plate seem like a breeze by comparison .I did my attempt with a transformer machine so I am curious to see how much differentan inverter can do .Maybe others will give it a try and post their results . Just for fun of course .
Reply:i tried it once... never worked out. the 200 amp setting on the machine was a little hot i think. lol.just a thought for grounding (i had mine lightly held in an 8" vice), try grounding to the metal table top, grind/scuff the surface of the can, then tape it down? it would keep the can from rolling away. after it's tacked, then it may be a little easier.i am curious to see what would happen if the can was filled w/ water or something to keep it cooler? it may end up in a catastrauphic failure with death and mass destruction, but it's just a thought. for some reason, i think it could end up very bad to try welding on an un-opened can of the beverage of your choice.Later,Andy
Reply:Welding on two unopened soda cans ???Now that is something that I would like to see done on youtube
Reply:I have seen threads like this a few times in the past years. I haven't done a set of pop cans since I was young. It wasn't too super then, nor is it now. I just ran out and tried it. It's harder than it looks.First side was all over the place....Next side went a little better, but far from good. I'll do a few more over the next weeks when I have time, see if I can't get it better.
Reply:Coke used to advertise here "Things go better with Coke" maybe it's the same with their cans.Nice welds and I like the stuff on your web site. Is the Acura RSX similar to a Honda Integra. I suspect yours might be the equivalent of a Spec R.Interesting to see both lots and well done all round as there's not a lot of material to work with."One of the things we have to be thankful for is that we don't get as much government as we pay for." (Charles Kettering)Mitch 180 (NZ)Lincoln SAM-400-220 + ?-400 Fordson Major + 2 x Tractapac Humber 80 + Procut 40 PlasmaMiller Spectrum 375
Reply:well i had these 2 i did in the spring. not the best. but it doesnt leak. Attached Images
Reply:I'd like to see someone with a positioner weld this up Fun fun...---------------------------------Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller Spectrum 375 Extreme
Reply:Originally Posted by bowman1964well i had these 2 i did in the spring. not the best. but it doesnt leak.
Reply:Originally Posted by GiantTechGuyI heard Bud just sold to a Belgium company for BILLIONS?
Reply:Cans are cool... try razor blades. They are a bit easier so its a tuneup for cans....I did some with flux-core
Reply:Here are some I did last year. Welding the .010" ones sharp-sharp was the hardest.Just the HF start wanted to melt teh edge away...Also ran a bead on a piece of .005" shim stock. Attached Images
Reply:revhard, nice job!heres mine............what???? Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by GiantTechGuyI heard Bud just sold to a Belgium company for BILLIONS?I've been trying this, but even the 1/16th filler rod seems to large. I think I could pull it off and have it look real good if I had access to a little bit of aluminum mig wire to try it with.
Reply:Soda can welding .. ummm... Reminds me when we as kids, used to make Beer Can Cannons. Except we joined the cans together with Duct Tape. Those held together nicely until you charged one with too much lighter fluid and air. Maybe I could try and tig one together and see how it holds up.
Reply:I tried it unsuccessfully.  I had a few beads going, but burned through.  15 amps seems to be close.  I used .030 4043 mig wire for filler.  More time and I could have got it, but......David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Go weld some Reynolds Wrap together.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:David , were you using your TA 185 inverter when you tried to weld the cans ?  Just curious .
Reply:Originally Posted by Tigster200David , were you using your TA 185 inverter when you tried to weld the cans ?  Just curious .
Reply:I was just curious how much easier ( if at all ) a good inverter would make doing a weld of this nature . Like I had said earlier , I did my with a syncrowave 200 with 1/16 filler ( 5356 ) and I found it very challenging to do . I seem to be doing a lot more aluminum these days than steel ( at least 3 -1 ) ,not cans though  , and I'd love to try an inverter .I must say though that I am a bit afraid to try an inverter because it might have to come home with me
Reply:Originally Posted by Tigster200I was just curious how much easier ( if at all ) a good inverter would make doing a weld of this nature . Like I had said earlier , I did my with a syncrowave 200 with 1/16 filler ( 5356 ) and I found it very challenging to do . I seem to be doing a lot more aluminum these days than steel ( at least 3 -1 ) ,not cans though  , and I'd love to try an inverter .I must say though that I am a bit afraid to try an inverter because it might have to come home with me
Reply:That's what I'm afraid of
Reply:I've been thinking about trying this, but I haven't decided that it's worth throwing away $0.10 Anyway, Ron Covell has a video on TIG welding where he shows a couple of tricks for welding razor blades and tin foil. It's like learning how the most amazing magic trick is done - once you know the secret, you think, "Of course! It's so simple!"
Reply:Here is one i did on oooold blue 1/16 4043 Attached Images
Reply:On my 4th attempt, I got it.  I tacked it in 3 places and that was the hardest part.  Once the puddle is going, its not too bad.  1/16 5356 filler because I have no 1/16 4043.  18 amps max, 90 Hz, 30% electrode +.  3/32 Red or Gold, #4 cup.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:David and Priority:Very nice. Look at that ooooold blue thing Priority used.  That's proof that it's the weldor, not the welder.Are you guys real busy on the pedal? Or kind of steady?David: I'm surprised that 3/32" tung would hold a steady arc at that low amperage.Last edited by Craig in Denver; 07-26-2008 at 03:31 PM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverDavid and Priority:Very nice. Look at that ooooold blue thing Priority used.  That's proof that it's the weldor, not the welder.Are you guys real busy on the pedal? Or kind of steady?David: I'm surprised that 3/32" tung would hold a steady arc at that low amperage.
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverDavid and Priority:Very nice. Look at that ooooold blue thing Priority used.  That's proof that it's the weldor, not the welder.
Reply:Welding 2 Aluminum cans together is easy with the right equipment.But, I have yet to see anyone actually cut a can in half a weld it back together! That, would impress me.
Reply:Well , TSOR , if it's so easy , let's see your welded cans
Reply:Awe Shi*t, now I gotta try it!Thanks I don't agree about the equipment.  I have done some nice aluminum with the most primitave equipment.  Weldmanpower and a hi freq box with a rheostat to get the amps down low enough.  No stinkin foot pedal."Its not the size of the ship, but the skill of the captain"........ "But you will never get across the ocean in a row boat."This is what I say to the women  David Last edited by David R; 07-26-2008 at 09:31 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Old school test was the aluminum foil wrapper on chewing gum.the zig-zag edge.Don't worry though ! they are made out of plastic chrome foil so you won't have to do it.LOL HaHaHaCoke cans ....NO problem.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:No problem ???   Well , show us what you got Donald . It better be aweful good after that statement
Reply:David:Thanks for the answers. I think you misunderstood. I also think it's the person, not the box. It's your old sig I was refering to. 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by Tigster200Well , TSOR , if it's so easy , let's see your welded cans
Reply:Your choice
Reply:Originally Posted by bowman1964well i had these 2 i did in the spring. not the best. but it doesnt leak.
Reply:I want to cut one and push it on the other one so its a lap weld.  I doubt I could do a butt weld.The other part is how the heck do you cut the can nice and clean?  A wire wheel takes off the paint.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.