"Cold Start" Gmaw Aluminum

admin

Hello,I am new to this site and thought I’d ask the Aluminum GMAW guys a question about wire welding .250” and thicker heat treatable aluminum:How do you begin a weld without cold lap or partial fusion at the start of the weld? It is only at the start that I am having difficulty. Once the weld is in progress I get full penetration the rest of the weld. My machine has a “Hot-Start” feature which works ok with 3/16” and thinner material and the appropriate dia. wire.Anyhow, I am welding Aluminum 6061 structural up to .320” thick with 3/64” dia., 5356 filler.Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you,