I need to learn Aluminum Welding

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I need to start building small gates for my business.  The outer frame is square tube aluminum 1.5 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick.The door is made from 1 inch round tube that is 1/16 inch thickness.Where do I start with equipment, what is the learning curve? Any do's and don'ts. Please advise.I live in the Dallas Texas area, any supply stores that are helpful with setup would be apprecited.Last edited by SilverBurr; 11-26-2007 at 09:10 PM.
Reply:have you EVER WELDED  B4???????ALUM   TIG   OR GOOD  SPOOL GUN mig /gas we need more back ground on your  skills as a welder... don t give up... but alum can be hard if you have never welded before
Reply:Welcome Dallas, if you remember Welders Equipment, they are the ones to go to.  I don't know who boght them out, most likely Air Gas.  Ask if they know Charlie Squibb.  Good luck   John G.SMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Atone time, they sold more Hobart Sybertigs in 5 years than any welding supply in the USA.  John      and they can teach you all about TIG.SMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Originally Posted by weldgaultWelcome Dallas, if you remember Welders Equipment, they are the ones to go to.  I don't know who boght them out, most likely Air Gas.  Ask if they know Charlie Squibb.  Good luck   John G.
Reply:aluminum isn't neccisarily harder than any other metal to weld... but you have to understand what is happening with the metal. if the weld needs to hold, any kind of welding woudl work, as long as the set-up and your technique are correct. what is your budget? that will msot likely be your biggest limiting factor. also, talk to the local welding shop/community college. it may be worth taking a short class or two in order to get the basics down, depending on what your finished product requirements are.Later,Andy
Reply:you need to start building gates for your business?  What kinda business are ya in?  If it's welding ya don't seem to have a handle on things.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:Nothing like jumping in with both feet.  You need a TIG or a good MIG with spool gun capability. The latter being the easier to adapt and learn. What is your budget for spending on a welder?John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Are you planning on selling stuff you welded when you know nothing about welding?  Oh well, they do it all the time in manufacturing plants, why not.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:If you are just going to do a little welding for fun or a small project you can get by just fine with a home depot special and a tank of argon. These welders are not heavy duty and will not hold up to a lot of use. As for the training go to Millerwelds.com or Lincolinelectric.com and look for the training info thay both have a lot of helpful info. Read and study the procidures and with a lot of practice youl have if. Good luck Steel Thunder Welding LLC. St. Thomas VI USAMM350PBOBCAT 3MAXSTAR 150 STH375 EXTREME PLASMA6.5 HP COMPRESORDEWALT 18, 24, AND 36 VOLTO/A TORCH SETAND SO MUCH MORE I DONT REMEMBERALL IN MY 2005 2500HD EXTENDED CAB L/B