Help: DCEP TIG for Aluminium

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Hi all, I am new to welding, attempting to do an aluminium weld on a DC machine. I have a UNIMIG Viper 185 which has MIG, TIG, and Stick capabilities. I want to weld a thin aluminum tube section, about 2 mm with DCEP and argon gas. I am using 6000/ 5000 grade aluminiumFrom what I have read AC is best for Al, and if I want to use DC I should use Helium and clean like a crazy person. Unfortunately I don't have the capability for that, so I'd like to see if I can get this to work. Any tips you have would be greatly appreciated, even if it's just to strongly suggest against this method. (info on best tungsten electrode, and best electrode size also welcome

)Thanks, Sandy P.S. Will show pics of any thing I produce that looks remotely like a weld
Reply:In a similar predicament myself. Recently bought a lower end tig/stick combo machine myself and was hoping to do some aluminum work in the future as everyone says it’s their favorite. Personally I can’t recommend any settings/ electrodes since I am as new as you are to this, but I can recommend some videos on YouTube. Weld.com on YouTube, specifically tig time with Mr.Tig does a good job explaining DC aluminum settings. They go over the pros and cons as well as the materials you will need. That’s my two cents, I’ll let a pro handle this one.I can send links to the videos if you want them, or look up “DC Aluminum Tig”, Weld.com should be one of the first.Century FC-90Primeweld TIG 200D
Reply:A 1/8" tungsten on DCEP will only carry about 50A or so.  You'd need a 3/16" tungsten and perhaps it won't completely melt off into your weld puddle before your aircooled torch is too hot to even hold.

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