Welding Practice on Aluminum

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Just begun practicing on 1/4" aluminum flat stock with a Lincoln AC/DC stick welder.  Trying to attach a 3/4" solid round bar of aluminum to it.  Sometimes it holds then other times it doesn't.  I'm using 1/8" 4043. Tried various settings & found the area of 105 - 125 DC+ to work fairly well.Was wondering if using a smaller size rod like 3/32 would be better.  Some of my welds look like there needs to be closer contact with the arc where the solid rod meets the flat stock.  I clean with a stainless brush & acetone.I'm so new at this I find it hard to describe.  But it's fun & I want to get so it looks halfway decent (to me)! thanks......bLast edited by Ben Bean; 08-12-2009 at 04:38 PM.
Reply:I've never stick welded aluminum but the principle is the same - with the 3/4" round bar being welded to 1/4" flat plate, preheating may address the issue.Got any photos so those who would know more can see?MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Disregard.  Thought he was trying to weld it with tig.Last edited by SundownIII; 08-12-2009 at 05:21 PM.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:I'll be practicing more later today & take pics.  I'll also try preheating.  ..b