Tig Aluminum butt welds, tips please?

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These are tig aluminum butt welds, at 120 amps with ac balance on "autobalance" on a Lincoln Squarewave on 1/8th plate. They're a little inconsistent because I do not have tig gloves yet, but I think I'm starting to get it. Any suggestions/comments?
Reply:Also, there was a small gap.
Reply:At the start of the weld it looks too cold, try 10 more amps, put a little tack on the edge, then start harder. The first dab helps the edge conduct and not melt away. You're letting the heat get ahead of you at the end of the weld, you need to taper off sooner towards the edge. Slow down and focus on consistent width and heatGloves? I just use the one on my torch hand.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:A bevel woks better than a gap.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by BrazinA bevel woks better than a gap.
Reply:I'll try adding 10 more amps and using a bevel tomorrow. Thanks.
Reply:Brazin made a good point.When you start, crank it up and wet the edges.. it helps to do a little wiggle or circular motion. Add a dab of filler metal and watch the puddle. It will get things going and show you if you need more/less heat. Adjust and start moving. Keep your angle and travel speed consistent. As well as your arc length. As you get maybe halfway or a little further you'll probably have to taper down the heat, and even more so when you get to the very end. Add a dab of filler before you cut off the arc.Just how I do things, anyway. Doesn't look bad though. Practice will help you tons.
Reply:The Mystical Wiggle, a minute to learn, a lifetime to master.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by Brazin.Gloves? I just use the one on my torch hand.
Reply:mostly just getting sweaty gloves.You only get shocked if you put filler to tungsten, great negative feedback! Most of my work is under 100Amps I don't recommend it for everyone.Last edited by Brazin; 02-14-2014 at 09:29 PM.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:I passed my aluminum butt welds for school, now I'm moving to laps, any tips for laps and tees?
Reply:Take the time to slow down and let the cleaning work, don't rush.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Dont tear the top edge up, let the puddle move to the top edge and dab and add filler.Miller Maxstar 200 SDPiperliner #10 Gold
Reply:Should you form the puddle on the bottom plate and let it work it's way to the top edge?