First attempt at a butt weld

[Touchdown]

Not bad for my first attempt... (others might disagree : ) )
Thank you Jim Davey for the help chosing a machine and of course with the tuition, I might be able to make the transition from a mig monkey to a real welder!!

 

[Richard.]

That's your first attempt at aluminium Tig ? Well you should be very pleased. I've seen some Alu runs in my life time often produced by "Tig welders" that are not up to that standard.
You're one of those rare bunch of people that picks up a torch and can play a tune on the first hit. Either that or Jim sold you a unit that welds for you lol.
Nice one mate keep em coming. Test yourself now don't fuss with beads on plates you need to start having a go at inside/outside corners and some tubes if you can get some.

 

[Touchdown]

Thanks Richard. Yes i think the unit is better than I but im learning. First attempt at a but weld, i have done lots of runs (see the pkate behind) but as you say need to move on.
Todays lesson was not to slide the filler rod along the metal being welded as it chips off tiny particles from the cleaning process and causes minute flaring. Dipping into the front of the pool now and better results.

 

[Coo]

That's great !
What machine did you go for ?

 

[Touchdown]

Hi, went to Jim Davey for a morning and he let me try two he thought would fit the bill. Jim suggested the GYS (even though it was £Ks cheaper than the one I started off wanting) but in the end I went for the EWM 230 with cooler. Fab service and pleased with it. Will be learning for some time though and this forum has helped already!!

 

[Brad93]

If you dont mind my asking whats the retail on an 230 and a cooler? Im siding with a miller 280dx now though because its more amps at 230v but it is a lot more expensive than european offerings.

 

[Brad93]

Few little tips if you want them, this is my own personal opinion. Your bead looks lovely and with time you will gain the consistency between 'dips', I would personally bring the balance down a little to reduce the etching around the weld, especially since its nice new aluminium. I also like a small cup compared to others for aluminium, I use a number 5 almost exclusively and can really reduce the etching that way but still get a clean pool. Someone else may know better than me but im sure it has something to do with the ionisation of the argon gas and a smaller cup keeps a narrower stream of ionised gas.

 

[Touchdown]

If you dont mind my asking whats the retail on an 230 and a cooler? Im siding with a miller 280dx now though because its more amps at 230v but it is a lot more expensive than european offerings.

H

If you dont mind my asking whats the retail on an 230 and a cooler? Im siding with a miller 280dx now though because its more amps at 230v but it is a lot more expensive than european offerings.

Hi Brad

Few little tips if you want them, this is my own personal opinion. Your bead looks lovely and with time you will gain the consistency between 'dips', I would personally bring the balance down a little to reduce the etching around the weld, especially since its nice new aluminium. I also like a small cup compared to others for aluminium, I use a number 5 almost exclusively and can really reduce the etching that way but still get a clean pool. Someone else may know better than me but im sure it has something to do with the ionisation of the argon gas and a smaller cup keeps a narrower stream of ionised gas.

thanks Brad appreciate the tips. Don't know the retail as Jim did me a deal I was happy with. ; )

 

[Richard.]

You have opted for a great machine. May she serve you well.