MIG Welding Aluminum

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Alright....so I am a fairly new welder who is self taught. Just need to fix a few small leaks in the bow seam of a small aluminum boat. I know I need to use argon gas, but wasn't sure if I could use flux-core wire also? Also, any hints or advice would be GREATLY appreciated.  Thank you everyone for your help
Reply:Oh.....I also have a real small Chicago Electric TIG.....not sure if that would be better.....but not sure if it would have the juice to weld it (plus I have yet to play with it)
Reply:Mushing,You really don't provide enough information to answer the question properly.I will say that it will take a "pretty experienced" guy to weld "thin" aluminum with a mig.Most small aluminum boats are constructed with a very light gauge aluminum.  My guess is your's was put together with rivets rather than welded to begin with.  Flux core, aluminum wire (I've only seen it in larger sizes and large spools) is not really an option.  To much heat and almost guaranteed blow thru.Taking the boat to someone who can properly tig weld the seam is probably your best course of action.In the meantime, get yourself some similar gauge aluminum (same as boat) and give it a whirl.  Think you're going to find that using .030 4043 aluminum wire in a standard mig gun is a real challenge.  A spoolgun makes the task somewhat easier.Not familar with your tig, but if it has AC capability, it would be a better option.  Tig welding that seam is going to take a lot of practice though.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Yes they did actually rivet it together.....but I thought I could run a small bead down the seam and seal up the leak.  The Chicago Electric I have is a 130A TIG/90A Arc.
Reply:Originally Posted by MushingJeeperYes they did actually rivet it together.....but I thought I could run a small bead down the seam and seal up the leak.  The Chicago Electric I have is a 130A TIG/90A Arc.
Reply:Does your tig have AC?DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Are you sure the ally is not anodized, if it is the job has just become a bit tougher.  Id be looking at a mechanical fixing myself.(I know..... that welder is screaming at you to be used!   but this does not sound like the time )A good guess is better than a bad measurement
Reply:Originally Posted by MushingJeeperAlright....so I am a fairly new welder who is self taught. Just need to fix a few small leaks in the bow seam of a small aluminum boat. I know I need to use argon gas, but wasn't sure if I could use flux-core wire also? Also, any hints or advice would be GREATLY appreciated.  Thank you everyone for your help
Reply:Originally Posted by MushingJeeperYes they did actually rivet it together.....but I thought I could run a small bead down the seam and seal up the leak.  The Chicago Electric I have is a 130A TIG/90A Arc.
Reply:Originally Posted by MushingJeeperThe Chicago Electric I have is a 130A TIG/90A Arc.
Reply:were in michigan you at?ChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:bassicly aluminium is the ****est metal ever to weld, you have to find the perfect temperature not to hot not cold in a pretty small range
Reply:I welded a crack in ONE boat with the SP100.  What a joke and what a pain in the azz.  Burning through was too easy.  The inside of the boat looked like a porcupine with all the little pieces of wire sticking through.  I have tigged a boat and canoe (really thin) with success.  Good luck if you try it.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:couldnt you just get a miller and mill a groove on the other side and tig it