What rookie mistake am I making now?

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Tried welding some metal...I think it was aluminum maybe?  But the plate I was welding it to, I think that was steel.  I was trying to make a retarded little table.  So basically, it was trying to connect a picture frame to the plate steel.  The 'frame' part would actually melt.  Then, once the weld was complete, it wouldn't hold for crap.  And would just break apart.  So what am I doing wrong?
Reply:Start over by welding mild steel to mild steel. Aluminum to steel is a whole different ballparkwww.triarc.us
Reply:Try bolting the two together.Also, a lot of knowledge can be gained by searching old treads on WW. I for one have spent countless hours combing through them. Good luck! Thermal Arc 210 FabricatorHypertherm PM 45and lots of other tools the wife doesn't know about
Reply:Stick a magnet to it.  It may be aluminum.A while ago, I had a hose reel that was part Aluminum and part steel.  I fixed an aluminum piece in the past on it, then attempted a repair on the steel portion with aluminum filler rod and a six pack of beer in me.  I ruined around 18 tungstens before I finally checked the metal.  That won't happen again, next time I'll try scotch.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by Rkott4.Also, a lot of knowledge can be gained by searching old treads on WW. I for one have spent countless hours combing through them. Good luck!
Reply:not going to work, read up on joining dissimilar metals, theres a whole lot of reading to be done but basically, you cant weld aluminum to steel
Reply:Originally Posted by drf255stick a magnet to it.  It may be aluminum.A while ago, i had a hose reel that was part aluminum and part steel.  I fixed an aluminum piece in the past on it, then attempted a repair on the steel portion with aluminum filler rod and a six pack of beer in me.  I ruined around 18 tungstens before i finally checked the metal.  That won't happen again, next time i'll try scotch.
Reply:The magnet test proved it...one aluminum...one steel.  DOH!