Vertical Alum weld test.

admin

Hey ya'll. Getting ready to take a vertical alum weld butt test Its with the filler wire (with argone gas) not tig. I've never really welded with the machine before and wondered if anyone had suggestions on how to go with it. Two of the other guys in the shop (the more experienced welders, blew out) one with pinholes in the weld, the other guys weld cracked in the bend test. Does the butt get weaved like fluxcore? flux is my main welding exp. Thanks.
Reply:It runs slightly similar to gas-shielded wire, if thats the kind of fluxcore your talking about.  If not, and you've never welded with the machine before then im going to go out on a limb and say you dont stand a good chance of passing the test when more experienced welders have failed.Alu MIG is not easy to run, it takes practice and you need to be able to recognize what the puddle is doing and how to adjust you speed/angle to correct.How thick of plate, what is the joint setup?  What kind of backer?Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Good comments and questions snoboarder.Aluminum MIG is an animal unlike any other. You almost have to have ESP. It's like you're looking for the sign before the sign that it is going to fall out because if you don't catch the first, the second will be too late for you to react.I asked my and she said that sentence makes sense.Bill LambertArgon WeldingABQ NMSic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc
Reply:Whats the purpose of going in and taking up someones time taking a test of a process you are not familiar too?It makes the entire industry look like a bunch of unregulated hacks, and serves no purpose other than show you what the test is like, you should be proficient before going in to take the test, and is not the first time I have seen this request posted but for other processes.
Reply:My company is testing all of the welders on this process FYI. I doubt they expect me to pass it but they want to see what I can do with this on a move up the ladder sort of thing. As long as it looks like I can get the grasp of it, then they'll probably (more likely than not) have me welding flat and minor material at first. I have received some good heads up info from this site so far and will continually ask for input. And they will give me PLENTY OF PRACTICE
Reply:Why dont you practice before the test?
Reply:They are letting me do that now. The test won't be for another 2 weeks. Anyhow, they have changed there minds and have us all doing a flat butt test. A simpleton should beable to pass that one. Thanks for the info