My attempt at stick weldeing Aluminum

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Hobat 4043 1/8" rod.  Hobart Stickmate DCEP about 80 amp.  Cleaned with stainless brush and acetone.Making a small outdoor table for my mom, I have no way to do aluminum right now so...Putting the frame together still some more to go, not pretty but it's working.First pic is my practice piece, burned about 1/2 a rod and started on the table.  Also a pic to show how thin the material is, less then an 1/8"All in all much better then I expected.Last edited by kcb37; 11-26-2014 at 06:56 PM.
Reply:Cool!
Reply:Looks Great!I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:hopefully what the end product will be.Pallet my mom got from work with leftover deck stain.
Reply:Here is the finished product.I sanded most of it to clean it up.  Other then some of what will be covered anyway.  Still going to sit outside.It was interesting and could be better could be worse.  I would say I am happy how it turned out considering the process used and 1/8" rods at that.  2 coats of clear to help keep it somewhat shiny for a while.Couldn't get any close pic's (still wet) flash has to much reflection.Top just sets on top.  Didn't worry about fastening it down as the top has sides and well it's not going to move either.
Reply:How thick is the tubing and what were your amperage settings?  It looks like it's will do the job.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:I have had great luck running beads with DC Reverse and aluminum electrodes years ago as a kid. I haven't done it since I learned TIG, but i know very respectible results can happen with it.Syncrowave 350Coolmate 3Millermatic 251Spoolmatic 30A
Reply:It was set on DCEP about 80 amps.  Tubing was from an old army cot 1/16" thick.  Suppose it was half tacking half 1/2" long welds.  It is one of those good enough kinda things.  Not going to hold much but a drink and plate kinda deal.If I can remember correctly reverse is DCEN.  Haven't been able to use a stick welder since I was in highschool 13 years ago.Came back real quick though.  The rods said DCEP only so that was why just DCEP.I do think I will try it again when I run across some thicker aluminum, might have to try DECN to.  It does seem like it can be very useable (atleast so far) just going to take some work to get used to using it, and having the right project to use it on.
Reply:The easiest way to always remember is R P . Reverse Polarity = Rod PositiveTo ride, shoot straight, and speak the truth. This was the ancient law of youth. Old times are past, old days are done, but the law runs true oh little son.Winpower 180 DCSA-200 redfaceXMT-304