Tiggin Aluminum suggestions?

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I am new to tig welding, just got a lincoln 185 this week.  My question is......suggestions on what to use on 1/8 inch aluminum 4130 i believe and the same rod.  Not positive but i think.  Settings, Tungsten, gas flow?  I have been practicing with it some and i can lay a bead thats not to bad.  i would like to know what others would use on the same stuff?  Is there a better rod to learn on?  Better tungstens to learn with? any suggestions would be much appreciated.  I am gonna get some books to read this week when im out.  Thanks
Reply:I am hoping to get started with TIG too.  Right now I am wondering about what machine to buy for general hobby welding  - mainly aluminum.   If you find a good book let me know.  Is a used machine a reasonable choice ? Thanks.
Reply:nova, I would set your unit to 125 amps and go from there. Aluminum heats up quickly, so you may have to back off your amperage with your foot pedal once the pool starts. - I would use 3/32 tungsten. Also, with your Lincoln 185, you can use your standard 2% thiorated tungsten. No need for pure with this unit. It is right in the manual. Because of the ac wave form with this unit, pure is not needed. Also, I don't ball my Tungsten, I just sharpen it as normal, then form a blunt square end on the point. All I can tell you is it takes practice. I did not even attempt Aluminum until I got good with mild steel. In my opinion, once you get your settings down and understand how aluminum works, it is much easier to control the weld pool on aluminum. Just my opinion. Also, mess around with your pulser - I don't use it on ss or mild, but on aluminum, it helped a lot, to keep my welds consitent. here is a link to some of my first aluminum welds using the same welder as you have. - http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=3518
Reply:Please sit down with a Seasoned Tig Welder to learn how the Science works and is applied
Reply:The 185 comes with a slide rule chart. Use it.  If you didn't get one, they are about $5.Owner of Welding Wiki,The free wiki based resource for weldor's around the world.http://www.weldingwiki.comWe have cookies!
Reply:Originally Posted by blownnovaI am new to tig welding, just got a lincoln 185 this week.  My question is......suggestions on what to use on 1/8 inch aluminum 4130 i believe and the same rod.