Question about welding/fabricating intercooler end tanks

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I'm new to welding and just ordered a Miller Syncrowave 200.  After I get decently proficient at welding with the TIG welder, I would like to fabricate end tanks for an intercooler for my car.  Right now I'm looking at 1/8" 6061-T6 aluminum sheet metal.  My question is how is the welding on that kind of metal using a TIG, should I use another kind of metal that would be better or more workable?  The reason I ask before even getting the welder is because I want to buy a sheet big enough to practice on for a few months then still have enough left to fabricate the end tanks.Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Reply:If you are looking to bend and roll form the material to make the tanks, use 5052alum. It will bend more readily than the 6061. That said, both accept a weld very well, and you should have no problems with it.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloIf you are looking to bend and roll form the material to make the tanks, use 5052alum. It will bend more readily than the 6061. That said, both accept a weld very well, and you should have no problems with it.
Reply:Originally Posted by x1riderThanks for the reply, much appreciated.  I was thinking more along the lines of cutting flat panels to do the sides and edges and welding them together, no bending involved.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterStay with the 6061 T-651..You'll love it!......zap!
Reply:Make sure you practice alot before attempting the IC...otherwise you ruin a good IC core.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Originally Posted by MicroZoneMake sure you practice alot before attempting the IC...otherwise you ruin a good IC core.
Reply:Good idea! John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:You may live in a small town but if theres a larger town or city within an hrs drive you may wanna consider placing a few calls and picking it up yourself.Most of the online metal suppliers are riculously overpriced plus sheet and bar size is limited due to type of delivery.If you have a truck or access to one you will come out ahead by getting full 4X8 sheets and if ya get a couple you will definetaly save money even if its an hr or 2 drive each way plus most metal shops or suppliers have drop racks or bins that u can usualy raid for lower priced oddball peices.However if ya have the money and not the time do whatever toots your horn!By the way welcome to the wonderful world of burns,cuts and sweat Trust me youll be hooked in no time
Reply:Originally Posted by ridgerunnerYou may live in a small town but if theres a larger town or city within an hrs drive you may wanna consider placing a few calls and picking it up yourself.Most of the online metal suppliers are riculously overpriced plus sheet and bar size is limited due to type of delivery.If you have a truck or access to one you will come out ahead by getting full 4X8 sheets and if ya get a couple you will definetaly save money even if its an hr or 2 drive each way plus most metal shops or suppliers have drop racks or bins that u can usualy raid for lower priced oddball peices.However if ya have the money and not the time do whatever toots your horn!By the way welcome to the wonderful world of burns,cuts and sweat Trust me youll be hooked in no time