|
|
Hello all.I really do need a lot of advice.Although a licenced stick welder and one with a moderate amount a mig experience I havn't welded aluminum before.We have a Lincoln 255. I just ordered a spool gun for this.My project ( my own) is welding on a 1975 aluminum work boat. Built of 1/4 inch material.I would like to fix some corrosion on the back of it and install a push bar on the front.Can anyone offer me advice on the following.- would anyone know the specifications of the aluminum used in a vessel such as this? or will it matter?- further to my first question. What type of material should I use for this welding?- a guess on what settings I should start with on the machine?- best wire choice?Also much of this will be out of position welding so any and all advice with be greatly appreciated.
Reply:further to my last questions.I am also wondering on the best way to prep both new and old aluminum.I have large sandblaster that I can use. Will this work well?Thanks
Reply:Hello Bigbuilder: I am working on a similar project myself currently. I am very new to mig aluminum welding but here's what I've seen. To prep my old aluminum I've used an oscillating sander to get down to the bare shiny metal and then wipe it down with acetone, let it dry and only then consider starting the weld. I'm using a miller 212 with spoolmatic gun and 4043 aluminum wire. The biggest problem I've had is dialing in the unit for enough heat and wire speed on the older alum.. On new aluminum, after prepping, I'm very close to the magic numbers and technique. The other large issue I've had is mastering the vertical weld in an outside situation (yep, working outside on the boat). Even increasing the argon flow doesn't seem to help so I'm still struggling with that aspect. Not sure if this has been of benefit to you but I thought I'd share my experiences.
Reply:If you are welding mig out side then make you some card board pieces with a wire hook at one corner. You can hang these on either side of where you are welding to keep the breeze at bay.
Reply:I agree if your working outside shield the area from any breeze or you will have holes and craters. Make sure you flap wheel the area down and clean with acetone or alcohol. A practice piece is a must so you can get your setting close. On aluminum you will be moving much faster than steel so hot and fast works for me. If you are welding in the same area very long you may have to turn the machine back a little because of heat building up.Fireman BillHH 210 MVPMM 211 Spoolmate 100Lotas LTP5000D PlasmaOxy/Accet (Victor)Wards AC/DC buzz box30 ton old hyd pressA few brand name toolsA bunch of cheap toolsA wife to worry me and4 dogs to supervise me |
|
发表于 2021-8-31 22:20:57