It's Official, I'm Hooked on Aluminum TIG

admin

The long and short of it is, I've learned a lot in the last 2 weeks, trying things on and off.I was able to turn this:Into this:The holes are from having a little fun! . So, I have a ways to go. I can see I need a bit more heat, as some of the beads are not fully attached to the base metal at the edges, but a vast improvement.Some things I found on my journey (Note, this is all second hand gear I bought with the welder):1) Massively leaky torch. It was a complex weldcraft torch, with a rotating pivoting grip etc. Too many o-rings, and the torch had been worked too hard and was partially melted. I went to the much simpler flex head torch (CK if I remember right).No more leaks.2) Improved cleaning. Properly removed oxides with a scotch bright pad. I will purchase a new ss brush soon. Also, wiped down with solvents, something I've never done before. 3) Foot pedal control. I've tigged ss before, but never with a pedal. I'd say it's a must for AL. So much better control!!!4) Proper torch movement. It really helped my welding to know the proper order for AL (Make puddle, move back, dip, move puddle forward, repeat).Thanks for everyone who has posted info, I would have given up otherwise.One question, how would you tig large projects in AL where you couldn't access a pedal easily?? Chay
Reply:i agree welding aluminum is fun~ tricky but fun- I just finished doing 2g 5g 6g 3" aluminum pipe for my level 2 class_ tyring to get it to fuse on the inside of the pipe takes time and effort. now im working on stainless pipe- they are looking nice as long as I remember to purge the inside.  Just remember to get that puddle going before adding the filler and dont skimp with the filler.