SoCal Jet Boats
Discussion => The No Wake Zone => Topic started by: SLCKREG on October 15, 2009, 08:33:29 AM
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Can aluminum be welded with a wire feed (I guess that's a mig)? Or do you need a tig? If you can weld it with a wire feed, I assume you would need some gas? Argon or???
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Yes you can weld aluminum with an aluminum spool gun. You will need to use argon gas.
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Cool...thanks.
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It really depends what you are attempting to weld. What thickness and what type of weld (butt joint, fillet, lap etc.). The norm for amps is 1 amp per .001”. So if you are attempting to weld 1/8” then you would need at least 125 amps. When I TIG alum. I usually run it hotter as in 150 amps. I like to get a puddle right away, so I start out hot and go fast. The key to aluminum is clean clean and more clean. Stainless brush only to get the oxidation off then finish up with acetone. MIGing aluminum can be a real pain, I have done it and do not like it. TIG is the way to go for alum. Just my .02 cents.
T.J.
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Very true TJS. I wasnt getting all into that though lol
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The best way I have found to weld aluminum is to drop it off at my friends shop and bring a 12 pack of beer when I come to pick it up!! ;D ;D ;D
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I just priced a couple of tig's......now I know why I don't have one :banghead:
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look for a used one... everyone is selling everything!