alum.problems

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Does anybody have any advice on tiging cast alum.? I've welded plenty alum. but this one really has me puzzled.
Reply:sandblasting it first helps to get it clean, really the biggest issue with it is contaminationStangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:I have had my share of problems with cast aluminum. I think because it's made up of the scrap aluminum of many an old who knows what, it seems to be very porous and if exposed to oil, etc. a real bear to weld. I first do a good de-greasing, wire brushing (SS), and most often heating with a torch to burn out oils, etc. and wire brushing while hot. Be careful with the torch, or you'll have a puddle of aluminum. (Good trick--- cover the area to be welded with soot from torch using acetylene only, as you heat the item up, you will notice the soot burning off, this is the maximum heat you want to apply, keep the torch moving. Experiment on a scrap piece of stock first to get the hang of it.)   Sometimes if possible, I "butter up" the parts to be welded, (welding the broken edge of one part at a time), then welding the new weld together. No one trick seems to work all the time, I'm looking forward to seeing what tips the other guys have to offer. I'm sure to gain some knowledge from someone out there myself.Just my  opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:Thanks  for all the info I ended up buttering it up ,took a while to burn out the impurities but it finnaly started welding right.Once again thanks, I'm glad that I found this web site, I've run across alot of useful info.keep the rods burning.