welding large aluminum sheets

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Hey guys, I just joined up (finally). I run a one man farm equipment repair shop and have done my fair share of welding/ fabrication, etc, although I mostly turn wrenches. I recently added a Spoolmate 100 to my arsenal to attach to my Miller 180 auto-set, mostly for small projects here and there. Started playing with it last night and got the hang of it pretty quick, did a little project with some 1/8 tube for my father in law and he was happy. Anyhow, I am putting in the process of remodeling my enclosed mobile service trailer (8x16 w/ ramp door) and am adding some .100 (12 ga) 3003 aluminum tread plate to the floor to dress it up and make it easier to clean. I got the idea to weld the sheets together to eliminate the joint in the middle. So before I just go try it out I figured I would ask for advise on technique/ feasibility, etc, so I don't go and make a mess out of $700 of materials. I have 16' sheets so it would just be a long seam down the middle. Would it be best to tack the panels together similar to how you would do steel? How much of a factor is warping with aluminum? Am I crazy for wanting to do this? Thanks
Reply:Stitch weld it with about 2" long beads every foot along the length if you don't need a sealed up seam.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:An intermittent weld will reduce the chance of warping your countenance.  *$&^%#%%! 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:Thanks for the tips
Reply:Originally Posted by RoyBoyHey guys, I just joined up (finally). I run a one man farm equipment repair shop and have done my fair share of welding/ fabrication, etc, although I mostly turn wrenches. I recently added a Spoolmate 100 to my arsenal to attach to my Miller 180 auto-set, mostly for small projects here and there. Started playing with it last night and got the hang of it pretty quick, did a little project with some 1/8 tube for my father in law and he was happy. Anyhow, I am putting in the process of remodeling my enclosed mobile service trailer (8x16 w/ ramp door) and am adding some .100 (12 ga) 3003 aluminum tread plate to the floor to dress it up and make it easier to clean. I got the idea to weld the sheets together to eliminate the joint in the middle. So before I just go try it out I figured I would ask for advise on technique/ feasibility, etc, so I don't go and make a mess out of $700 of materials. I have 16' sheets so it would just be a long seam down the middle. Would it be best to tack the panels together similar to how you would do steel? How much of a factor is warping with aluminum? Am I crazy for wanting to do this? Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by Matt_MaguireDitto the above on the weld method... BTW that's an expensive floor... ALUMINUM tread plate = evil high $.Matt