Newbie with some questions

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Greetings!  I am about to start a new job and will be required to weld aluminum.  We build structures out of 1in square aluminum tubing.  Maybee 1/16-1/8 in thick walls.  I have very little welding experience.  Just a little playing around on steel with a lincoln stick welder found at lowes.  I've been reading a little and see that I'll need a tig welder.  I am a fan of lincoln.  What would be a good machine?
Reply:Originally Posted by biggdave92Greetings!  I am about to start a new job and will be required to weld aluminum.  We build structures out of 1in square aluminum tubing.  Maybee 1/16-1/8 in thick walls.  I have very little welding experience.  Just a little playing around on steel with a lincoln stick welder found at lowes.  I've been reading a little and see that I'll need a tig welder.  I am a fan of lincoln.  What would be a good machine?
Reply:I agree with Rojo. The TA 185 is the cheapest 'buy in' to quality TIG welding. IMHOLearning alum is a handfull. Keep your torch angle steep (almost vertical) to the weld. This way your filler won't melt before you get it to the puddle. Point the torch toward the 'long' piece. The 'stub' end will melt quickly. 3/32" filler is MUCH easier to learn than 1/16". Position your weld so you can rest your wrists on something, freehand from the shoulders doesn't work very well.If strength isn't an issue, use 1100 filler, it melts easily and flows like butter.Come back and ask questions, pics will help with the diagnosis.Craig, self taught hobby weldor. 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:TA?  I did a search and couldnt find anything.  I know this is a big task.  I am going to try to find some welding classes around here.  thanks for the info!
Reply:Originally Posted by biggdave92TA?  I did a search and couldnt find anything.  I know this is a big task.  I am going to try to find some welding classes around here.  thanks for the info!
Reply:IMHO,If you're building "Structures" out of aluminum, and the aluminum is 6061 (most common), use ER4043 filler metal.  Silicides form in 6061 that, if you don't use a silicon containing filler metal, will cause hot short cracking.  1100 aluminum is almost pure, no silicon, and is best used on the 1XXX series, 3003 and 5005.  Still having problems with hot shortness?  Switch to ER4047 filler, more silicon.  Also, 4043 and 4047 provide superior corrosion resistance to the 5XXX series of filler rods.  Upside, eutectic formation takes care of those nasty cracks.  Downside?  Not a good color match if you have to anodize, the silicon darkens in a sulphuric anodize.Use ER5654 if you need the best color match if anodizingRegards, KbnitI r 2 a perfessional