Thick aluminum TIG question

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Hello. What is the thickest aluminum you weld on a regular basis and what is the thickestyou have welded using the TIG process. Thank you.
Reply:thickest for me has been 5/8" on boat skegsthinnest is 1/16 " props  every day i weld aluminum
Reply:Thank you. Anyone else...
Reply:Originally Posted by bartHello. What is the thickest aluminum you weld on a regular basis and what is the thickestyou have welded using the TIG process. Thank you.
Reply:I did a casting once from a leaf suspension on a semi truck.  Casting was the size of my torso, broken piece was maybe 1.5-2" thick.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Uh max 1/4 mostly thin sheet.....Small aircraft stuff....BrandonLincoln Tombstone 225 A/C Steel StickerOld Victor O2/Acetylene setupMiller Syncrowave 250 Tig/PC-300 PulserMiller Millermatic 212 Mig HTP Invertatig 201 Giant Teck D50 Plasma cutterLots of HF grinders
Reply:Dave, I was just trying to see what the norm is for TIG before other methods are used. Right now I am in the process of welding some 1/2" to 3/4" using a Precision TIG 375. What machine do you use?Thanks.
Reply:I did a bunch of aluminum welding for a sailboat maker once. No tig at that place. All mig. With a really sexy push/pull gun; I could weld all positions. One inch roundbar to 1/4 plate was the heaviest. If you're doing heavy aluminum you might want to not use tig and go mig. Just make sure the material is super clean. Aluminum oxide is heavy, and will sink into the weld; best to strip the surfaces of the weld zone with a wire wheel or the face of a nickolson supercut file.
Reply:Many years ago, on a summer job, with a conventional transformer power supply, TIG DCEN with Helium, 1" thick plate bases fillet welded to 3/8" thick tubular light posts.  Machine maxed out at about 300 amps, 1/8" 2% Thoriated electrode, water cooled HW20 torch.  No preheat, just pour the coals to it and feed inches of wire with each push.
Reply:Originally Posted by bartDave, I was just trying to see what the norm is for TIG before other methods are used. Right now I am in the process of welding some 1/2" to 3/4" using a Precision TIG 375. What machine do you use?Thanks.
Reply:Originally Posted by bartDave, I was just trying to see what the norm is for TIG before other methods are used. Right now I am in the process of welding some 1/2" to 3/4" using a Precision TIG 375. What machine do you use?Thanks.
Reply:DAVE POWELSON, Now you'e singing my song; a thorough understanding and respect for the importance of a solid electrical circuit. I can't tell you how many times I have seen guys welding with hot grounds and cables, guys who should know better. What a difference a SOLID set up makes!!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardAt some point the question is answered be money. If time is money the at some point it becomes vary costly to use GTAW when GMAW will produce so much more.
Reply:Guys, thanks for all the replys. I am currently working on a one time project (hopefully) for the company I work at. So far the amount of time I have in doing the job is fairly significant. Your answersmay enable me to get a MIG set-up in the future if more work like this comes along. Once again,thank you.
Reply:Originally Posted by bartGuys, thanks for all the replys. I am currently working on a one time project (hopefully) for the company I work at. So far the amount of time I have in doing the job is fairly significant. Your answersmay enable me to get a MIG set-up in the future if more work like this comes along. Once again,thank you.
Reply:Dave Powelson,Well said. Well said. So often I've seen employers ignorant of better and more efficient methods and products, who take it out of their employees hides; and then belly ache about high turn over rates in the company. More needs to be said about this;especially in these lean times. I have often thought about starting a welding/fabrication efficiency and time study consultancy company. Sometimes fresh eyes see more. Again well said; refreshing.
Reply:Originally Posted by maartyDave Powelson,Well said. Well said. So often I've seen employers ignorant of better and more efficient methods and products, who take it out of their employees hides; and then belly ache about high turn over rates in the company. More needs to be said about this;especially in these lean times. I have often thought about starting a welding/fabrication efficiency and time study consultancy company. Sometimes fresh eyes see more. Again well said; refreshing.
Reply:Originally Posted by pulserMany years ago, on a summer job, with a conventional transformer power supply, TIG DCEN with Helium, 1" thick plate bases fillet welded to 3/8" thick tubular light posts.  Machine maxed out at about 300 amps, 1/8" 2% Thoriated electrode, water cooled HW20 torch.  No preheat, just pour the coals to it and feed inches of wire with each push.