stick aluminium

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There are some rocker covers that are 5mm-10mm thick. I need to weld a hole in them about 15mm wide (probably by sticking in a large bolt and welding it in) and I am told the rocker covers are some aluminium alloy. Will stick be fine for this and are there electrodes that are any good for aluminium?--------------------GMC WLDR 140A Stick Arc cheapskatenow with 90% more burnthrough
Reply:Also would like any hints --------------------GMC WLDR 140A Stick Arc cheapskatenow with 90% more burnthrough
Reply:I've tried a few different alum. rods and had little to no success.  They are really tough to get to tie in. If you cant do tig or alum mig it's worth a shot though.  Preheat good and spend a little time practicing.  Good luck.  I haven't found any rod that worked better than another.  Brian MoyerMoyer Welding & Fabrication       LaSalle MI
Reply:Almost forgot, I'm pretty sure all aluminum rod must be run on A/C.  Brian MoyerMoyer Welding & Fabrication       LaSalle MI
Reply:I hope you have an anluminum bolt to put in the hole.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I've used a few different aluminum stick rods, and it seems the more expensive they are, the better they work! (naturally!) I would suggest putting a copper backing plate on the underside, then welding it up, then you don't have to worry about finding the bolt. Make sure it's REALLY clean, and shiny.-------john
Reply:I've never done it although I have seen aluminum rods in the stores.  Sounds risky at best but someone must use them or they wouldn't sell'm.  Seems I've read that unlike for Mig where you use AC; with stick its DC - Reverse Polarity.  Hopefully the rod packaging will advise.And, aside from it being so thin what's the likelihood of the material being contaminated beyond being able to clean it sufficiently before welding?  What alloy would you be dealing with as some aren't weldable?Wouldn't attempt such a thing myself unless I was prepared to replace them.Regards,Clay
Reply:I would suggest paying some one to do it. If all you have is stick & aren't proficient with it. The other option would be epoxy fill ?
Reply:Stick with 4043 rod is recommended on DC. Give it a shot on a test piece, a good grinder is always the friend of a decent weld. Even if you just fill it in, you can make it pretty with the grinder or flap wheel.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Originally Posted by RIVERRATI would suggest paying some one to do it. If all you have is stick & aren't proficient with it. The other option would be epoxy fill ?