First Attempt at an Aluminum Fillet Weld

admin

Only been able to weld aluminum since Monday and I haven't gotten much practice in. I got pretty decent at running straight beads on 1/8" plate so I figured I would give this a try.I didn't back off the pedal enough at the end on the left side. My pedal is a little touchy as there's a dead-spot in the potentiometer which I plan to replace. I don't think this is too bad for my first attempt at this sort of joint.Used these settings.1/8" Aluminum Sheet. 90* Fillet.Machine: Airco Heliwelder IVAmps: 135A on the panel. Used pedal to regulate.Polarity: ACHF: ContinuousPre-Flow: 1s (Not adjustable)Post-Flow: 15sBalance: My machine doesn't have a balance knob, so whatever it's hardwired for. Can't find any info on this.Electrode: 3/32" 2% Lanthanated with a truncated taper.Brad GeorgeCurrent Equipment:AIRCO Heliwelder IV 300Amp Model - Total Awesomeness!Old 120v Hobart Handler MIGVarious grinders, cutting tools, hammers, clamps, ect..."I'm an amateur welder with lots left to learn..."
Reply:Very nice man!!!!Not bad at all for the very first weld.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Thanks. I think I'm doing "OK" so far. I think once I get the hang of backing off the pedal once the aluminum gets hot I'll be doing a lot better. Fixing my pedal should help that a tiny bit as well.Also, balance on my machine is 50/50 from what I was told.Brad GeorgeCurrent Equipment:AIRCO Heliwelder IV 300Amp Model - Total Awesomeness!Old 120v Hobart Handler MIGVarious grinders, cutting tools, hammers, clamps, ect..."I'm an amateur welder with lots left to learn..."
Reply:Now repeat 20,000 times.
Reply:U may want to set the max amps a little higher will help with a quick start . And FB is right on with the whole repeat idea.  Shovelon will back that up too...Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardNow repeat 20,000 times.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawU may want to set the max amps a little higher will help with a quick start . And FB is right on with the whole repeat idea.  Shovelon will back that up too...
Reply:The filler metal looks a weird color almost as if it wasn't aluminum. Keep up the practice! Lookin good!
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTThe filler metal looks a weird color almost as if it wasn't aluminum. Keep up the practice! Lookin good!
Reply:I have a quick question about bead spacing. Everyone's welds are like a personalized signature meaning every one welds a bit different. Exactly how much space do you want between bead humps on an aluminum weld? I have always figured the space between the "hills" should reflect the thickness of material your welding (up to a certain point).This is an excellent example pic, top weld has bigger spacing between the hills and lower is tighter spacing. Personal preference? One stronger than the other?
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTI have a quick question about bead spacing. Everyone's welds are like a personalized signature meaning every one welds a bit different. Exactly how much space do you want between bead humps on an aluminum weld? I have always figured the space between the "hills" should reflect the thickness of material your welding (up to a certain point).This is an excellent example pic, top weld has bigger spacing between the hills and lower is tighter spacing. Personal preference? One stronger than the other?
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterLots have to do with techneque..amount of filler..type of filler..etc.As far as one stronger than another..If the penetration is good there is no real difference besides cosmetics....zap!
Reply:The filler size makes a big difference.   Try going outside the standard recommended diameter.   When I went over to shovelon's shop I got to try some much larger diameter.   3/16 I think.  Really liked it.      Also learned that the filler is a great way to control the heat instead of depending on the balance control.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250