Aluminum Tig welds- Practice

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Well, it's been years since I did this, and never really was  good at it. Just got my Syncrowave 200 a couple of days ago. In this video I finished welding on 10 gage Al angle , all butt welds. I'm using 1/16 rod, & 3/32 electrode. Let me know the best way to improve this. My video talent is bad, but hopefully I got the message and views across. This is just a retirement hobby for me, hopefully someday I'll be able to make a couple bucks doing it. Here's the link. If the link doesn't work, I'll re-do it. Miller Bobcat 250Syncrowave  200Millermatic 252Spoolmatic 30ASpectrum 625 X-TremeMaxstar 150SVictor O/A torchesDewalt angle grindersWelded on/off for over 40 years.
Reply:Bigger rod like 3/32 diameter. But otherwise everything looks in order.Video came across very well on my end.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Crank the amps up some, 70 amps on 10G is low.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Ok, thanks. I'll do both suggestionsMiller Bobcat 250Syncrowave  200Millermatic 252Spoolmatic 30ASpectrum 625 X-TremeMaxstar 150SVictor O/A torchesDewalt angle grindersWelded on/off for over 40 years.
Reply:Originally Posted by SquirmyPugCrank the amps up some, 70 amps on 10G is low.
Reply:I can certainly see why you're an instructor, you're good at it. I'll work on what you just said. Thanks.Miller Bobcat 250Syncrowave  200Millermatic 252Spoolmatic 30ASpectrum 625 X-TremeMaxstar 150SVictor O/A torchesDewalt angle grindersWelded on/off for over 40 years.
Reply:Not saying you will use it all but I start with a setting of 130 amps. Balance on your machine about 3/4 to the pen side Not sure why your using a purple tungsten but I have had good results with the Inverter style tungsten's with a transformer machine..Normally use Green (Pure for AC)  3/32 is fine and like Terry mentioned 3/32 Filler 4043 4943 5356 whatever you have I like 4943.....Flows out nicer and is an easy filler to weld with....Concentrate on your puddle control more and made a commented movement between puddles.......Pulse the pedal between puddles to get a more segregation between each puddle......(lay on the pedal and DAB. Let up and move Lay on the pedal and DAB  see my weld and you will see what I mean...It takes some practice but if it was easy no one would ask for tips......The front weld is DC- with Helium......  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Nice welds. I cranked it up to 150 amps and floored it like DSW suggested. I haven't made it to the LWS to get the 3/32 yet, so I just shoved the 1/16 in as fast as I could and got nice results. However, I'd rather have the larger rod. Using the purple because it's what the LWS suggested, so I could use the same electrode on different metals. Can't be be a turtle when welding aluminum that for sure. Things happen rather fast.Miller Bobcat 250Syncrowave  200Millermatic 252Spoolmatic 30ASpectrum 625 X-TremeMaxstar 150SVictor O/A torchesDewalt angle grindersWelded on/off for over 40 years.
Reply:Originally Posted by GobyskyWell, it's been years since I did this, and never really was  good at it. Just got my Syncrowave 200 a couple of days ago. In this video I finished welding on 10 gage Al angle , all butt welds. I'm using 1/16 rod, & 3/32 electrode. Let me know the best way to improve this. My video talent is bad, but hopefully I got the message and views across. This is just a retirement hobby for me, hopefully someday I'll be able to make a couple bucks doing it. Here's the link. If the link doesn't work, I'll re-do it.
Reply:Yea, that's interesting Zap. You're really pouring the rod in there.Miller Bobcat 250Syncrowave  200Millermatic 252Spoolmatic 30ASpectrum 625 X-TremeMaxstar 150SVictor O/A torchesDewalt angle grindersWelded on/off for over 40 years.
Reply:One of the best things you can do to practice is running beads. Use that square piece you welded and just cover it with weld, you don't need to run joints or anything until you get your rhythm of dabbing and moving and controlling your heat with the peddle and speed, once you feel comfortable and your beads look consistent and straight then move up to a "lap" joint or "t" joint ... weldingtipsandtricks  on youtube or his own site has several excellent videos on welding most any common metal... with very good shots of what the puddle looks like...Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Just looked at your video again and noticed The HAZ is really wide.... You mentioned NO BALANCE.... To narrow that up turn the Balance up more toward PEN.. I think I mentioned That before......hey I'm. Old...  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Yes, I played with turning the balance up today and it helps. Had to call my electrician because I popped a breaker when I was on full output. Put a 60 amp breaker in and haven't had any problems. Can't believe how much power it takes to weld this aluminum.Miller Bobcat 250Syncrowave  200Millermatic 252Spoolmatic 30ASpectrum 625 X-TremeMaxstar 150SVictor O/A torchesDewalt angle grindersWelded on/off for over 40 years.
Reply:I'm guessing since you called your electrician, he ok'd  going to a larger breaker. If not, that's asking for serious trouble. Breakers are designed to protect the wires in the wall. Jumping up to an oversized breaker is a very good way to burn your house down if you don't know what you are doing. There are some sections of the codes that do allow for diffeent sized breakers and wiring to be used with welders, but you had better make sure you know EXACTLY what you are doing if you start playing these games. You can bet if there is an issue, the insurance company will not cover you if the breaker in the box isn't what is normally rated for that wire, whether the fire was electrical or not.A lot of people really don't realize how much power it takes to weld alum. Since its such a great heat sink, it sucks away heat better than steel or stainless, thus requires more amps to get the job done..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I'm guessing since you called your electrician, he ok'd  going to a larger breaker. If not, that's asking for serious trouble. Breakers are designed to protect the wires in the wall. Jumping up to an oversized breaker is a very good way to burn your house down if you don't know what you are doing. There are some sections of the codes that do allow for diffeent sized breakers and wiring to be used with welders, but you had better make sure you know EXACTLY what you are doing if you start playing these games. You can bet if there is an issue, the insurance company will not cover you if the breaker in the box isn't what is normally rated for that wire, whether the fire was electrical or not.A lot of people really don't realize how much power it takes to weld alum. Since its such a great heat sink, it sucks away heat better than steel or stainless, thus requires more amps to get the job done..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Yes, you bet I called my electrician. He said I put too small a breaker on #6 wire in the first place. I had a 50 amp breaker on there and just increased it to 60. The length of wire is only 1 1/2 feet. Unless there someone on this forum proves I'm wrong, or knows code, let me know. Even with that said, I left the cover of the CB box and run the welder at Max 200 amps for the max duty cycle three times and then used an infrared heat gun to check temperature of the wire, and CB, and it all remained at 80 degrees or less.Miller Bobcat 250Syncrowave  200Millermatic 252Spoolmatic 30ASpectrum 625 X-TremeMaxstar 150SVictor O/A torchesDewalt angle grindersWelded on/off for over 40 years.
Reply:#6 is good for 65 amps according to NEC code. You can use a 70 amp breaker if a 65 is not available (manufactured). This info is based on THWN insulation in the 75* column. You should be safe with the 60 as long as its not aluminum wire.OzLast edited by DirtyOz; 03-30-2013 at 01:25 PM.Dynasty 200DXMiller 210 Spooly
Reply:Originally Posted by GobyskyYes, I played with turning the balance up today and it helps. Had to call my electrician because I popped a breaker when I was on full output. Put a 60 amp breaker in and haven't had any problems. Can't believe how much power it takes to weld this aluminum.
Reply:Thanks for the tips guys, I'll work on them.Miller Bobcat 250Syncrowave  200Millermatic 252Spoolmatic 30ASpectrum 625 X-TremeMaxstar 150SVictor O/A torchesDewalt angle grindersWelded on/off for over 40 years.