Practice aluminum

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Ok I was messing around with aluminum at work today, looks to be 1/8 thick. I was using 3/32" 2% thoriated 3/32 filler . I was free handing, I am trying to get smooth with this method other than "walking the cup" because my theory is if I can get good with a harder way, then doing something easier will produce better results? Maybe not.. but it sounds good to me.. Haha any tips or suggestions? I have been welding quite a bit, but tig welding aluminum I maybe have 4 or 5 hours so I try and practice as much as I can now.... It stood up ok to a destructive test, threw it in the press and bent it about 75 degrees, still held up and shows no cracking. Attached ImagesHTP Invertig 201Lincoln Idealarc SP250Miller 180 AC StickBy farmall:They should have held the seagull closer to the work, squeezing evenly for best deposition.
Reply:Looks good from here..Show a pic of the start point and the stop point..That's where most need assistance.....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:Ok I will have to get a camera again, I had to borrow that one so just wait . In pic 2 you can see at the bottom that was a start stop. What I was practicing was getting the puddle molten and backtracking a bit and then starting again.. If that makes any sense.Another thing I noticed is I get very tense and even hold my breath! I dont know if that is normal or not but I was trying to relax my hand and control my breathing. It was tricky though!!Edit pic 1 on the right there is a stop start again. That looks like one of my better ones thoughHTP Invertig 201Lincoln Idealarc SP250Miller 180 AC StickBy farmall:They should have held the seagull closer to the work, squeezing evenly for best deposition.
Reply:Looks pretty good to me!  Now try the same thing vertical up.
Reply:Looks good to me........what machine are you using?  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:I will try vert up, seems hard just to get in position for that! Machine was a synchrowave 351 at my workHTP Invertig 201Lincoln Idealarc SP250Miller 180 AC StickBy farmall:They should have held the seagull closer to the work, squeezing evenly for best deposition.
Reply:Try bending it the other way.  Looks good to me but what does the root side look like?Two turn tables and a microphone.
Reply:I welded both sides. Those are two diff sides, I didnt burn it as hot because I was welding both sides.. Is that an ok way of thinkingHTP Invertig 201Lincoln Idealarc SP250Miller 180 AC StickBy farmall:They should have held the seagull closer to the work, squeezing evenly for best deposition.
Reply:Fordman, I am new to welding (in school now) and I too, find myself very tense. Iyoud think that when you're that intent on the task at hand, the result would be excellent. It seems though, that when I'm relaxed and whistling under my hood, my welds are more consistent, straighter and lacking of flaws. Crazy but true. Good luck.
Reply:Hahahahaha  that's the way it works for everyone Bro not just you.........  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Originally Posted by fordmanI welded both sides. Those are two diff sides, I didnt burn it as hot because I was welding both sides.. Is that an ok way of thinking
Reply:Ahh ok, well I knew that I was in fact going to be welding both sides. Maybe I am better off practicing full penetration welds though, I dont think I would need to do anything different except maybe a small gap and more amps...I will practice soon and report back. I have a feeling the first inch or so and the last inch will be hard, I wont get the heat going for a bit and then tapering off the heat the correct amount seems to be very tricky.HTP Invertig 201Lincoln Idealarc SP250Miller 180 AC StickBy farmall:They should have held the seagull closer to the work, squeezing evenly for best deposition.