need welding aluminum help

admin

i have an arc welder and ive tried welding aluminum and it did nothing but pool up and did not stick, how do i weld it, i am trying to repair a crack in my aluminum rim for my truck and the weld did not stick,
Reply:Well you didn't give any details on what kind of welder you're running but based on your other thread you said something about using a 115V machine so I'm gonna guess you don't have a big enough welder to weld an aluminum rim.
Reply:Aluminum rims have alot of mass.   It takes quite a bit of heat to get the puddle going.  Since you're not using tig and don't have much power, you're probly going to have to pre heat it with a torch first.  With any crack in aluminum rim, grind out the crack into a V before trying to weld it.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Is it just me, or does this sould like a recipie for disaster?
Reply:Originally Posted by makoman1860Is it just me, or does this sould like a recipie for disaster?
Reply:The term Mag implies Magnisun is in the wheel.   Buy a new one.keith The older the boys, the more expensive the TOYS!!Previous owned;Linde 300 Amp welderMiller Gas drv welder, Tumbstone,Dayton Miller ac to dc converter,High frequency unitLongevity LS60PCurrrently owned;Longevity WeldAll 200PI
Reply:I agree, buy a new one.Esab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v
Reply:I don't think he said anything about it being a magnesium wheel.  They haven' t made magnesium wheels in decades.  Unless this rim is from the 60's or earlier, it's likely just an aluminum rim.I do agree that he probly won't have alot of success trying to fix it with a 110v stick welder, but hey, may as well have fun with with it before he trashes it, and who knows, he could end up being successful with the repair.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I don't even see "mag" in his post, but mag wheels is just regular talk for aftermarket wheels. You can have "mags" made of aluminum.  Cragars anyone?And Chevy offered magnesium wheels as an option on C5 Corvettes, so they're still around...I'm here for the pictures.  Post 'em!The soldering toys pay for the welding toys.Hakko 928 dual iron, 4xHakko 936Madell 850D Hot Air SMT ReworkMiller 252, HTP Invertig 201 AC/DC, and a Hypertherm 45.
Reply:Depends on where the crack is, I have had good luck as long as it is on the back side of the wheel away from the spokes. I use a tig and lots of power, clean, clean clean, grind a nice V. Don't think I would try it without a tig with at least 250 amp capacity.BrandonLincoln Tombstone 225 A/C Steel StickerOld Victor O2/Acetylene setupMiller Syncrowave 250 Tig/PC-300 PulserMiller Millermatic 212 Mig HTP Invertatig 201 Giant Teck D50 Plasma cutterLots of HF grinders
Reply:Yeah for sure first thing you should be doing is cleaning. then grinding out your v groove, then cleaning some more. Can not stress importance of cleaning base metal, tungsten and filler wire with tig. especially with aluminum. If you're trying to stick it, I don't think a little 115V crackerjack box will do the trick with out some pre heatingPower of Blue Baby!
Reply:Glad im not the only one. I have come to learn there there are fools, and then there are people that encourage these fools. I am typically not a person to "bash" a welding enthusiast, as I want to see people do well at the craft. But this is stupid, just plain stupid. Turn that wheel into a bar stool base, or coffee table and buy a new one. In the hands of an expert the repair MIGHT be able to be done ( depending where the crack is, the alloy etc. ). In the hands of a complete tenderfoot, its IMPOSSIBLE and DANGEROUS. I dont believe in the "you can do it" attitude, I belive in " you can LEARN how to do it". At this point, its obvious the skills and knowledge arent there to determine if the repair is doable, or even if the completed repair is any good.
Reply:Makoman,Glad you said it so I didn't have to get myself in trouble with the mods, SAYING THE EXACT SAME THING.Some day (before long I fear), this ra ra, go for it, looks good, BS is going to get someone hurt.  Not every question warrants a "positive" response.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:I agree with Sundown and Makoman. When there is no real hope of the machine doing the job, then you are bound by that. Likewise, a rim that is going to see service life after repairs needs an experienced hand to repair it. In a pinch, with no other option, to get you out of the desert, or back tot he dock?? Do what you have to do. But when you're talking about being at home, or work, and there is this project; it only makes sense when real safety issues for people are on the line. A wheel is really a double trouble situation: You may only have the wheel fail, and you are out of commission. You may crash, and get hurt or killed. Worse still; you run the real risk of the wheel letting go, and the ensuing crash killing or injuring other people. Yes, it would be unintended. but the fact that you repaired that wheel improperly will tie you to it with liability. Mako and Sundown are right on this. Pass the job to a qualified shop, or pass on the project.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.