Storing aluminum

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I just picked up some scrap aluminum which appears to be very clean.  I'm not ready to practice on any of it yet but how do I store it?  It's small enough to put in a box more or less and I have a TuffShed which is not climate controlled but is pretty weather resistant.  These are small practice pieces…maybe 9"x12".  I've considered cutting them up a little and using my food sealer to keep them from the elements which is likely overkill.Are there steps I can take to protect it, or can I just store it on a shelf till I'm ready for it?  Thanks!Miller Diversion 165 TIGMillermatic 211/141 with Auto-SetHobart Stickmate LX235 AC/DC StickNorthern Tool 135 MIG & Dry Cut SawKlutch ST80i/ST200i Stick/TigGrizzly G9742 BandsawMilwaukee Circular Steel Saw/Portaband/SWAG Offroad Table
Reply:You want it dry.  Aluminum oxide forms on the surface in minutes but what you do not want is aluminum hydroxide which is that white powder that forms.  When I worked in the shipyard occasionally we had that white powder and it all had to be sanded off.  If you have high humidity and sharp changes in temp often that is when water droplets or a fine dew will form on the surface of the aluminum.  That is a bad thing.  Sealed up in a plastic bag would likely do the trick with small pieces.
Reply:Good info, thank you very much.Miller Diversion 165 TIGMillermatic 211/141 with Auto-SetHobart Stickmate LX235 AC/DC StickNorthern Tool 135 MIG & Dry Cut SawKlutch ST80i/ST200i Stick/TigGrizzly G9742 BandsawMilwaukee Circular Steel Saw/Portaband/SWAG Offroad Table
Reply:Could you store it inside? -JessForney C5 Arc WelderLincoln Idealarc 250-250 Ac/Dc Arc WelderMiller Bobcat 225g PlusLincoln PowerMig 200Forney O/A Rig
Reply:It will be in snide my shed which is overall pretty weatherized. Sent from my iPad using TapatalkMiller Diversion 165 TIGMillermatic 211/141 with Auto-SetHobart Stickmate LX235 AC/DC StickNorthern Tool 135 MIG & Dry Cut SawKlutch ST80i/ST200i Stick/TigGrizzly G9742 BandsawMilwaukee Circular Steel Saw/Portaband/SWAG Offroad Table
Reply:Maybe cover it with some sheets or something.-JessForney C5 Arc WelderLincoln Idealarc 250-250 Ac/Dc Arc WelderMiller Bobcat 225g PlusLincoln PowerMig 200Forney O/A Rig
Reply:I don't really do anything special for storing metal - just goes on the rack - clean it off when about to weld it.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I store some of my aluminum inside the garage and some of it leaning against the fence outside.  For the purposes of practicing welding aluminum, either is fine.If you are storing steel sheets, you want to coat them with oil of some sort, to prevent rusting (WD40, motor oil, any oil really--you just need an oxygen-proof barrier).  I you are really worried about oxidation (same reaction as rusting...goes all the way from the slow oxidation of aluminum to the explosions in a rocket engine...all are 'oxidation.'), then coat the aluminum with some sort of oil too.When you're ready to weld: -degrease with 99% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) from your local pharmacy.  Dirt cheap.  Absolutely amazing degreaser.  Environmentally friendly.  Safe for your lungs (no respirator needed, unless you are doing something silly with it). - scuff weld area to shiny with a stainless steel brush (MUST be stainless steel...don't want to embed iron particles in aluminum welds).  You can also scuff with a red scuffy pad too.You don't need any special storage for your aluminum (or your aluminium, depending on where you are from).  Stacked up inside your shed will be fine.KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Put it in a box. Put the box in a large garbage bag and tie the top. It works just fine to keep moisture out.
Reply:If you seal the aluminum in plastic bags and store in a non climate controlled environment they will generate condensation inside the sealed bags based on temp and humid. changes.  If the pieces are that small, put them on a closet shelf inside of your climate controlled home. No bags or plastic seals needed.Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180