Cast aluminum

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I was working on a bobcat.  I had to replace this aluminum piece, so I cut it on an angle and flipped one end over to get a groove weld.Second pass.  The first pass the weld wanted to go to the sides of the groove instead of the root.  I ground out what I started with and turned up the wire speed.  I left the pieces spaced apart because I was planning back gouging with an aluminum wheel.  Come to find out, I didn't need it.Fianl pass.  It was a little hot at the far side, so I hit that spot again.  You can see were.  Process was pulsed spray aluminum .035 5356, pure argon.Back sideBack side after I ground all the crap off.  This was just an experimental piece.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I cut the piece right down the center of the weld looking for porosity.  I also found out I can't etch aluminum. Then I cut it again on where the groove was.  I took a thin slice off to see how it looked where the original metal was.  Still looking for porosity.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:looks good to mea little on the end cause of the steel under it but good so far keep it up
Reply:Looks good David. What was the piece originally - a bracket for the steering?John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Yes, it turns the shaft for the hydraulic drive.  It comes from the directional control handle on one side.  The square drive was worn out.ThankDavid Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Looks like a good fix in the pics. You do a lot of playing around, is work slow in the winter months out there?Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Man you've got talent, I can't wait to be able to pull off half of the things you post! Great job!
Reply:Originally Posted by QuciferLooks like a good fix in the pics. You do a lot of playing around, is work slow in the winter months out there?
Reply:Originally Posted by Jasondt2001Man you've got talent, I can't wait to be able to pull off half of the things you post! Great job!
Reply:What do you mean make a Heliarc sign? Do you not offer TIG services?Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:[QUOTE=Qucifer;160566]What do you mean make a Heliarc sign? Do you not offer TIG services?.........................................  ..................................................  ........................................................................  ..................................................  ...................................Hey   !  if he has "genuine Heli-Arc " equipment , he don't need no stinkin  TIG . just like Coke drinkers don't drink pepsi  ![SIZE="5"Yardbird"
Reply:That looks like it should be a two-pass job. What's nice with your setup is the ease of cleaning for both the initial and second pass and I'll bet you didn't pre heat that either.That piece could have been veed on both sides to avoid the slop and blowthrough. I would have tried it in straight DC spray since it's a thick piece. Better penetration, but you'd get more spatter. What I've found with MIG is either a casting just won't weld or it welds perfectly. It's one or the other. Looks good. You're getting the hang of it quickly.
Reply:The piece was over 1/2" or over and it should have been double V.  I just cut it on an angle with the sawzall and flipped over the piece to have a single V.  The open root actually seemed to help.  The pulsed spray at those wire speeds lays down the filler quite fast.  It took 3 passes.  No preheat.  I did clean it well.When I pull the trigger, I better be ready to weld!edit:  I was just reading the handbook.  It sez to weld as big a bead as you can or make as few passes  to help keep porosity out.  In multipass welds, it sez the top layer will have the best chance for porosity.  Just like steel if the puddle cools too fast, it will have hydrogen or other things trapped in the weld.  It also sez you can do up to 1 1/4" in 2 passes, one on each side.You all have been a big help.DavidLast edited by David R; 02-01-2008 at 06:33 AM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:looks good david, that is a sweet set up. glad to see you are getting the hang of it. hope the upcoming projects go good for you. G3miller... 225g, s32p, 250x, 304, 12vs, MSW41     victor o/a thermal dynamics cutmaster 50 lenco panel spotter        hobart hf-boxG3 Farms.....raising cattle, hay, kids and hell, ...oh yeah I'm a fire sprinkler contractor by trade.