aluminum sticks (E4043)

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I came across some posts about these but one question was unanswered:Do these work with AC or DC? Is it advisable to try these on small (thin) boat repairs? thanks
Reply:okay I found DC reverse on google, but I still want to hear what you say
Reply:best to tig   i weld aluminum boats allthe time dont think a stick machine will go low enoughto do a good job if it were my boat i d find a tigger
Reply:Thanks Doc.You say "wont go low enough".  Is there a machine that will? How low must it be, and does voltage have some role in the equation? .....like say, 24 volts 30 amps wont work, but 12 (or 50) volts and 30 amps will work?Some machines are marked for low amps, is it false advertizing?Thanks for the info
Reply:Arc welding of aluminum ( meaning traditional "stick") is typically used on material 1/4" or more in thickness. If your doing a boat hull its probably not advisable just due to the lack of control with that thickness and that process. If you dont have a tig, just OA torch weld it. If you dont have an OA torch.....then find someone else to do it. And please dont use flea market zinc "brazing" rods that people use with a propane torch.
Reply:i use an idealarc 250 tig machine set at:range 25-100  with current control at 4-53/32 tung  1/16 filler14 cfm arrgon
Reply:Originally Posted by greyI came across some posts about these but one question was unanswered:Do these work with AC or DC? Is it advisable to try these on small (thin) boat repairs? thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by greyI came across some posts about these but one question was unanswered:Do these work with AC or DC? Is it advisable to try these on small (thin) boat repairs? thanks
Reply:Experienced stick welders can make sound repairs on some very thin alu with stick, but it's not a preferred method.I don't know what brand of rod these guys are using but I've never had flux problems with rods that have ridden in trucks for several months at a time.We repaired quite a few small water storage tanks that had corroded thru using stick several years ago with very experienced welders (in pretty remote locations) so it really can be done but unless you don't have any choice there are ways that are easier.JTMcC.
Reply:being that you have those biga h0les i would go with the patches, sealer,and rivetsidea.  there is a lot of flex on the bottoms of aluminum boatsbe a shame to be  relaxing enjoying  a fishing day and then sink  try the patch&seal first if the dont work then  weld it where are you located might be someone in your area that might be able to help ya
Reply:I went back to look at this boat and the HOLES were not as big as 1 inch. I saw the silicone and thought it was daylight. (Been flashed too many times?)So, these are cracks of up to 3/8 x 5 inchI talked to the Jr. College proffessor and he said he will get-r-dun.... but what's the value of that? The 1/8 Hobart Rods it says get 700F and let the metal melt the rod at that temperture....that sounds like braizing (well, it is braizing). I have not bought the rods yet.Hobart didnt mention a paste flux, but I think it would help.I am practicing with some old cooking pots and the torch, and it easy to burn through.
Reply:Originally Posted by makoman1860 And please dont use flea market zinc "brazing" rods that people use with a propane torch.
Reply:Originally Posted by grey I can make a comparable thickness cooking pot begin to melt without burning through. I dont know if that is making the metal weakerThanks.
Reply:Originally Posted by greyI found some Hobart rods that were in my price range. I dont know if they were zink.I dont think I can control OA well enough with the torch I have . I am practicing with  Air / acytelene now. I can make a comparable thickness cooking pot begin to melt without burning through. I dont know if that is making the metal weakerThanks.
Reply:What is a good filler rod?
Reply:Originally Posted by JTMcCprobably makin the cook mad JTMcC.
Reply:308L stainless steel filler works well. Flows better, stronger.Midwest Metal ProductsMetal Wire Forming Fan Guards Delta-Larm
Reply:Originally Posted by mrandrei308L stainless steel filler works well. Flows better, stronger.
Reply:he!! if your close  in 0kla  id do it for you  no cost just so you could go fishing well  we could trade---- fish for welding-----  allways  barrder for fresh fish mmmmmmm fried  fish   hush puppies  beans and taters    mmmmmmmmm
Reply:You're dreaming if you thingk you're going to be able to fill a 3/8" wide x 5" long hole in an aluminum boat with a stick electrode.    You need to weld a patch over it instead of trying to fill the hole.   You'll also have alot better luck welding the aluminum with an ac tig welder, or a mig welder with a spool gun.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by makoman1860sounds way out of your league at this point. .
Reply:Originally Posted by makoman1860sounds way out of your league at this point. .
Reply:Originally Posted by greyI dont have tig or mig; my operatin' budget aint that big.
Reply:Originally Posted by mrandrei308L stainless steel filler works well. Flows better, stronger.
Reply:Grey, esab makes an aluminum brazing paste that will work for your application, and is not to bad to use.  I have not used any in a while, but I used to keep it on the truck to patch 3/32" thick aluminum irrigation pipe before I had AC tig capabilities on the truck.  Cut a piece aluminum large enough to cover the hole extending a couple inches out, and then put the paste all around the hole where the patch will go and take a torch and heat it up until it flows and bonds.  It may be worth looking into.  Don;t even try the 308.  You can't weld aluminum with stainless period.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......Originally Posted by Hammack_WeldingGrey, esab makes an aluminum brazing paste .
Reply:yes, I will look around the shop tomorrow and see if I have any stuck back, and get you the name of it.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......