My 2nd Try At Aluminum Your Thoughts ?

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I am taking a TIG welding course at the University I am really enjoying it ! this is my 2nd try at aluminum it getting better but I have a long way to go.The first attempt was scary.Give it to me straight what should I be doing ? The Instuctor is Great, He is very helpful.I just wanted some more ideas of what I I need to do to improve.I am trying diffrent setting to see how it changes things Freq & balanceThese plates were done quickly no cooling They warped pretty badly.3/32 AluminumDynasty 200DX105-120 Amps1/16 Pure Tungston3/32 Rod 4043Balance 65% en140HZ FreqArgon 15 CFH Attached ImagesMountain 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:They dont seem too bad.Time to start joining some metal together.  Work on your consistency.  Try to keep a rhythm in your head.  dip,dip,dipHigher Freq. will give a more concentrated arc/narrower beadLast edited by LarryO; 02-05-2010 at 12:29 AM.
Reply:In the list of setting you put down that your using pure tungsten.  They say that using pure tungsten will destroy an invert type welder so you need to swith to something else.  On the settings, just leave them alone until you get your beads down with repeatable consistency.
Reply:Take the freq. down to 100, and the amps sound about right. Balance could be creeping up to 70. A lower frequency will wet in faster on the edges. While it gives less penetration to a point, the wider heat spread will reduce cracking around welds from rapid cooling. Clean the material, it looks pretty good.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:For only your second try, I'd say your ahead of the curve. Just keep practicing, be patient, work on your technique, once you have that established, then start playing with the settings to see how they effect the welds. If your still inconsistent with technique, then you won't know what difference the settings are making. Practice 'till your good, then practice some more. I had an instructor that used to say "Practice does not make perfect, Perfect practice makes perfect"."SOUTHPAW" A wise person learns from another persons mistakes;A smart person learns from their own mistakes;But, a stupid person.............never learns.
Reply:Looks like on some of those welds you are going too fast, bead is narrow .  Learn to watch the weld pool a little longer and then drop fome filler wire in. Make a mental note of the size of the pool and keep it consistent. You need to relax, not be in a rush  with tig. No need to thank me. I am the best.
Reply:I would say try thinner filler material too. I find 1/16 easier to control. Even when completely rebuilding a combustion chamber in an aluminum big block head I ran 1/16 filler instead of 1/8. If we had 3/32 I probably would have tried it but we only had 1/16 and 1/8 at the time. Anyway, for your second try they look pretty good. Keep it up. I would say the 7th and 8th beads are the most consistent of the lot of them. JohnnyWelder's advice is good. Slow down and watch the puddle...watch what happens when you add the filler. You can see the puddle "grow" as you dip the rod, try to keep the growth the same size. Easier said then done! Chris
Reply:Lots of good advice so far. I would also recomend you watch the ends of your welds. I see some craters. Lift off the pedal gradually and add some filler if necissary. But really, for only your second attempt on aluminum, thats some really good work.
Reply:Thanks All !!!!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