tig welding questions

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i havnt ever tig welded aluminum so not sure about everything and what i need.i have some tungsten that we used to do steel pipe will they work with aluminum and if not what all will they work with. Do i sharpen the tungsten like i would with the steel or do i leave the ball on the end. Im pretty sure i need straight argon right?? If  you could give me any tips on welding aluminum i would really appreciate it. I plan on practicing alot this weekend.Equipment:Lincoln Ranger 8Lincoln Power Mig 255Miller Diversion 165Hypertherm Powermax 45Victor Pro Series Torch setTons of other shop supplies
Reply:Looks like your tig is an inverter based machine, so you would not want to ball up the tungsten. Your existing tungsten will work ok for steel. It is not the best, but will work. Grind your tungsten like you would steel. Leave the argon set at the same as steel, but just switch the machine to alum, and dial in the metal thickness. You may have to increase the diameter of your tungsten depending on the thickness of the alum, but your owner's manual would tell you that.I am assuming your tungsten is 2% thoriated? Over time it will cauliflower itself on the end, and you will need to dress it more often, but it will still do the job.Last edited by shovelon; 09-08-2011 at 10:08 AM.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:WTF!?!?  Are you kidding?  The answers to your very basic questions are in already in thousands of separate threads on this website!Do a little work for yourself before asking for everything to be handed to you on a silver platter.  Here's a hint:   Find the SEARCH button before you evoke the ire of every member here (most of whom won't be nearly so nice).Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by AquafireWTF!?!?  Are you kidding?  The answers to your very basic questions are in already in thousands of separate threads on this website!Do a little work for yourself before asking for everything to be handed to you on a silver platter.  Here's a hint:   Find the SEARCH button before you evoke the ire of every member here (most of whom won't be nearly so nice).
Reply:cauliflower...lol....that's a perfect description!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonI am assuming your tungsten is 2% thoriated? Over time it will cauliflower itself on the end, and you will need to dress it more often, but it will still do the job.
Reply:Originally Posted by kyleb0789i havnt ever tig welded aluminum so not sure about everything and what i need.i have some tungsten that we used to do steel pipe will they work with aluminum and if not what all will they work with. Do i sharpen the tungsten like i would with the steel or do i leave the ball on the end. Im pretty sure i need straight argon right?? If  you could give me any tips on welding aluminum i would really appreciate it. I plan on practicing alot this weekend.
Reply:Originally Posted by papaharley03I was going to try lighting up on aluminum, but all I have on hand at the moment are 2% Thoriated. Everything I have come across says no go with those on aluminum as it will contaminate the weld.Don't want to highjack the thread, but was hoping to get clarification on Thoriated tungsten on aluminum.Papa
Reply:The biggest problem with the 2% thoriated, is when it does develop that 'cauliflower' look, especially at high amps, the little balls can spit off into your puddle. If you're not running really high amps that usually isn't too much of a problem.
Reply:Thanks, Shovelon. I decided to throw caution into the wind, since I had some 1/4 inch aluminum and 5356 1/8 filler on hand. Being that I have the 175 Squarewave Tig, it seems by your experience that I should be okay... especially for practicing with.I was pleased with how it turned out, being my first attempt at aluminum TIG. Still going to get some 2% lanthanated though.Thanks,PapaLincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:If it is on here a 1000 times then u got alot of ppl to bitch at. But it seems like some ppl can post the same crap on here more then once and dont have nothing said to them but somebody like me that is new on here ppl like u want to come and talk crap. If u dont like it then dont read it. But anyways thanks alot for the ones that have posted useful information. I really do appreciate it.Equipment:Lincoln Ranger 8Lincoln Power Mig 255Miller Diversion 165Hypertherm Powermax 45Victor Pro Series Torch setTons of other shop supplies