First weld - aluminium

[KaneH]

Was out with the washing liquid in a spray bottle last week and found a couple of leaks. Fixed these and managed an hour out tonight and I’m seeing some improvement. Here’s some of the better ones..

Had a go at a couple of outside corners on a test piece and turned out ok so cracked on with the project piece and although it wasn’t overly pretty it did work. More practice needed though!

What I did learn is how to control the puddle. Before I was just stabbing away aimlessly with the filler but realised it needs to be more controlled.

Anyway, Comments welcome as always

 

[KaneH]

More practice. Finding it slightly difficult to get in a comfortable position on such a large item but seems to be improving if a little cold?

 

[KaneH]

Some more

Got the outside corners down to a fair consistency now I think. That’s them all but finished on this project but I’ve still a few fillets to do on tubes that pass through the box. Had a crack at a few tonight and although they weren’t neat they have fused plenty good.

Any tips on fillets? More / less amps than outside corners? Focus the arc to one side or in the root? Any help appreciated folks

 

[KaneH]

Just to follow up on this one. The box I was sticking together was a job for my old man. He decided he wanted to build a “hillbilly” hot tub out the back of his gaff after his previous hot tub went up in smoke. Burner box complete, a blockwork tub, a new pool pump and it’s turned out none too shabby.

Was in it over Christmas there while visiting and have to say it’s turned out spot on. Pics attached..

 

[zeppelin builder]

Cleaning action is important , go up on that !
Less post flow no need on aluminium , just wasting gas , important on stainless

postflow must be set as long as required to prevent any discoulouration of the electrode

 

[minimutly]

Inside fillets need more amps, longer stickout of the electrode, slower travel?
I have found it difficult to decide on how much cleaning current/age is needed - how do you tell you need more?
I have noticed as you increase it you get a whitish margin either side of the weld, this is obviously good.

 

[Richard.]

how do you tell you need more?
I have noticed as you increase it you get a whitish margin either side of the weld, this is obviously good.

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/aluminium-tig-guide-getting-started.64695/#post-832202