A couple of aluminum TIG questions

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I received my new AHP welder today and started messing around with some aluminum welding. I don't have any Al filler rod yet, but had a couple of questions:1. I have some alunimum plate that I picked up at the scrap yard, and I have no idea what alloy it is. Are there aluminum alloys that cannot/should not be welded? If so how do you tell short of trial and error?2. Does it matter or will it make a difference what alloy it is if all I am doing is laying practice beads?3. I tried laying some autogenous test beads on the subject piece of 1/4 inch aluminum plate, at 200 amps. The plate was cleaned with acetone and scrubbed with a dedicated SS brush. On this machine the AC balance dial goes from -5 to + 5, which corresponds to 20% electrode positive to 80% electrode positive. I set the balance to +1 or +2 and on my first attempt it basically burned up my 3/32 1.5% lanthanated electrode in about 1/2 of a second. I set it on -3 and replaced the tungsten, and it seemed to weld OK. I know too much cleaning puts a lot of heat back in the tungsten. Is it normal to blow up an electrode like that with too much cleaning action?4. is 1/4 inch plate too thick for just laying practice beads? What should I look to get for practice?Thanks.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:There are some non weldable alloys. I don't know what the numbers are, but from what I remember most of them are used on ladders. Put the cleaning at 9 o'clock position. That seems to be the best spot for those type of welders I think 1/4" is too thick. Get some 1/8" So did they replace your welder free? or what was the outcome?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Not for free, I did have to kick in some money. But they did send me a brand new welder. Probably not right if I discuss what the final agreed price was but suffice it to say the AHP folks were very fair with me and I am quite happy. Considering the circumstances under which I purchased the first welder, AHP went out of their way to make me happy. I am very impressed so far.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:One other question: do you dedicate your tungstens to only aluminum or only steel? or can you use them for either if they are ground clean?Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Either or just as long as they are reground before using......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:the 2000 and 7000 series often referred to as air craft grade are not considered weldable.That being said pretty much everything you get at a scrap yard will be 3000, 5000 or 6000 series1/4" is too thick 1/8" is good for practice for all around usage, but honestly the best thing to practice on is what you plan on welding. I practiced on 1/16th tube a lot becuase that is what we typically weld. Thin wall tube is very hard to learn on, as it blows out very easily.
Reply:Something sounds wrong bud. When i switch metals i always just give a quick bump on the tung and touch em up. Could be a few things but sounds like you got some crappy recycled aluminum. And Lou how could you buy a new machine and be frothing at the mouth waiting for it and not have any filler wire. Next time i see you its wedgie city. I dont care if youre older than me......yoink!I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961I received my new AHP welder today and started messing around with some aluminum welding. I don't have any Al filler rod yet, but had a couple of questions:1. I have some alunimum plate that I picked up at the scrap yard, and I have no idea what alloy it is. Are there aluminum alloys that cannot/should not be welded? If so how do you tell short of trial and error?2. Does it matter or will it make a difference what alloy it is if all I am doing is laying practice beads?3. I tried laying some autogenous test beads on the subject piece of 1/4 inch aluminum plate, at 200 amps. The plate was cleaned with acetone and scrubbed with a dedicated SS brush. On this machine the AC balance dial goes from -5 to + 5, which corresponds to 20% electrode positive to 80% electrode positive. I set the balance to +1 or +2 and on my first attempt it basically burned up my 3/32 1.5% lanthanated electrode in about 1/2 of a second. I set it on -3 and replaced the tungsten, and it seemed to weld OK. I know too much cleaning puts a lot of heat back in the tungsten. Is it normal to blow up an electrode like that with too much cleaning action?4. is 1/4 inch plate too thick for just laying practice beads? What should I look to get for practice?Thanks.
Reply:Mea Culpa Mike...I didn't think I was going to have an interest in welding aluminum right away.  Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Not for free, I did have to kick in some money. But they did send me a brand new welder. Probably not right if I discuss what the final agreed price was but suffice it to say the AHP folks were very fair with me and I am quite happy. Considering the circumstances under which I purchased the first welder, AHP went out of their way to make me happy. I am very impressed so far.
Reply:Aluminium is the most fun for sure. 1/8" tungsten is nice at 200A, it might run a smaller ball than 3/32". No grinding needed going from DC to AC with a clean point. Got your 5356 yet?