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Hello,I have a small project for a customer. It is a transome plate for his boat.I went to a local supplier of metals and found several pieces of their "drop" aluminum that would be perfect for the job.I know that one of the pieces is 6061 T6 grade and the other pieces are of unknown properties. My issue is when I attempt to weld the T6 to the other aluminum in a basic L joint, the arc is eratic the "flow" or what I call "wash" of the filler is terrible when trying to perform the weld. It will not melt in and make a nice bead that is shiney and pretty to look at. The weld tends to stay on top and not penetrate. The welds are gray (too much heat I suspect - just trying to get the weld to penetrate)At first I thought it might be a setting on the Syncrowave that I overlooked... but, I can pickup a piece of 2 inch box aluminum and run a beautiful good looking weld with the typical "stack of dimes" look. So, I am guessing that my only other variable is the possibility of dissimilar aluminum types trying to join.The aluminum plate is 1/4 thick, I am using 4043 for filler, 1/8 Ceriated tungsten, gas flow is about 18, machine max Amps is set at 220 (since I use the pedal, I am not sure of the exact amperage that I am using - I just know what looks right on the puddle)Any tips on my welding issue? Thanks
Reply:My first guess would be anodized material. Grind an area clean, then try welding on the ground area. I know some out here have said they do not remove the anodizing, but I have never had any luck with it left on. Often the anodizing is the same color as the base metal, but you will see it is different once cleaned, and you may see sparks as you grind it off.Just my opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:Transom hardware isn't usually anodized. It's either going to be a cast aluminum or marine grade 5052/5086. You should try to find a marine grade aluminum if you are making a transom plate, aluminum does some weird stuff when mounted against other materials and submerged in saltwater
Reply:Material was ground down then cleaned with Acetone... same results ... just not like welding your typical aluminum.. at least in my experience...
Reply:Maybe it's 7075, that one doesn't weld too well.
Reply:Salt saturated aluminum absoloutly sucks, all you can do is weld and grind, weld and grind. That nasty greenish crap that bubbles out seems neverending. I have done my fair share of skegs and T-top addons and know exactly what you'r going through.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ." |
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