pre-first timer asking for advice

admin

Projectsaluminium plumbing for rear mounted radiator (because long rubber hoses are expensive)aluminium exhaust pipe (will have less resistance and weight and be the right length to resonate)aluminium engine snorkel (Just for practice)steel a-frame for towing (will just buy a used one if it fits)steel roll cage (eventually)aluminium computer case (a computer case that acts as a radiator at the same time)aluminium water blocks (Just for practice)aluminium or steel buggy (eventually)aluminium microlight aeroplane (distant future)I needWelder capable of welding aluminiumI don't needA welder that lasts longA welder that can weld really thick metalA welder that's portableTo sell any of my workSo I'm heading for an AC tig welder of some sort.Questions1. From what I've read, welding aluminium is really difficult. It takes years of practice and thousands of dollars worth of consumables.What exactly is it that is so difficult?.    welding a piece of metal to another piece of metal?.    becoming good enough to sell your work?.    welding a structurally sound structure?2. I'm still not sure if I really want to invest in the equipment. I'm thinking I should buy some cheap gear to start with then figure out if I should carry on or not when it breaks.Are any of these worth looking at?http://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-357729534.htmhttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-358746353.htmhttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-357740984.htmhttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-357873692.htmhttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-357951685.htmhttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-358190401.htmhttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-358682054.htmhttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-358659390.htmhttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-358934711.htmLast edited by Sharft 6; 03-04-2011 at 11:44 PM.
Reply:Looking forward to sundowns reply to this...You get what you put in and people get what they deserve...
Reply:Might as well just go with the cheapest onehttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-357729534.htmJust like anything in the world- to become proficient you need to practice and good practice not just doing the same thing over and over.Some people take to welding AL pretty quickly, some don't.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by brslkLooking forward to sundowns reply to this...
Reply:[QUOTE=Sharft 6;481915]ProjectsI don't needA welder that lasts longA welder that can weld really thick metalA welder that's portableTo sell any of my workSo I'm heading for an AC tig welder of some sort.Questions1. From what I've read, welding aluminium is really difficult. It takes years of practice and thousands of dollars worth of consumables.What exactly is it that is so difficult?.    welding a piece of metal to another piece of metal?.    becoming good enough to sell your work?.    welding a structurally sound structure?******all of the above2. I'm still not sure if I really want to invest in the equipment. I'm thinking I should buy some cheap gear to start with then figure out if I should carry on or not when it breaks.Are any of these worth looking at?"The current thread '.25" AL Thread/Rate my welds, answer my questions'http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=51486sheds some light on various problems---the biggest problem is the end userwho want's to do it all on a small budget and will not heed advice or commentsgiven--since 'Anybody can weld'. This forum is seeing that kind of nonsense multiple times each week by multiple newby posters--who are so much smarter than the rest of us.Best thing is for you to take the plunge, get a machine and decide for yourself.Blackbird
Reply:Well if i was you before you waste any of your money on a machine .....why dont you go and enroll in a welding class at your local community college get that down while your there you just might learn something like if this type of work is even for you..with no experience thin wall Alum tubing is NOT easyCool thing about a community college is you will have to take welding 100 as a prerequisite for any tig welding class which is the basics before you even get behind a tig machine which will answer a bunch of your questions agian if this is something you want to take on .....Good luck on your journey with welding also miller has a awesome student pack that  will agian answer alot of your questions and the search feature on this site does exactly that It searches and you might find some of you answers that wayalso the consumables are normally included in the cost of the class which is a win win for someone starting out with no experienceLast edited by WeldorWes; 03-05-2011 at 02:43 AM.Miller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:aluminum is more difficult than steel  because steel visibly shows you when you are approaching the melting point which creates the puddle. aluminum is harder totell which leads to burnthroughs,,alum transfers heat better than steel so you need more power to get it hot..
Reply:Originally Posted by brslkLooking forward to sundowns reply to this...
Reply:Surprise.I'm going to go easy on him since he's "new".Besides, no one wants to hear what I REALLY think.Best recommendation was to TAKE A CLASS.Second comment is, "Please send me some of the drugs you're taking".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:aww so kind!well thanks for the feedback but I think I'll just live within the constraints of a non-welder. I was kinda banking on the idea that welding another piece of metal to another piece isn't too hard.Flare fittings sound good. But might be even easier to go to the wreckers and find a whole bunch of old radiator hose and just join those onto bits of pipe.