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Post by Alex94TAGT on Apr 29, 2005 15:58:23 GMT -5
How many welders do we have here? I'm pretty much a novice -- I've been using a Lincoln MIG for almost a year. I've actually just been using flux-core because I'm cheap -- grinder always cleans up the slag n' spatter. I have a tank for inert gas, I just never bothered to get it filled... Anyway, I was curious -- is it difficult to convert to welding Aluminum? I take it I just need one of the 'wire-feed conversion kits', like this? www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/p002062.htmDoes this require a different type of shielding gas than standard steel-welding? Is welding aluminum more difficult? I could find the answers online, but figured we need more posts in here...  |
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Post by AAron on Apr 30, 2005 1:05:13 GMT -5
MIGs use Argon that is all i know of.
as to AL welding, i like TIG.
that kit should have all you need.
ps i would use the gas it helps, and not just splatter
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Pat
Junior Dragster
Posts: 4
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Post by Pat on Apr 30, 2005 2:45:02 GMT -5
Its not to hard. It takes some practice to get good at, its diffrent than welding steel. With steel you can move relativley slowley, while welding aluminum you must move much quicker due to the lower melting point of aluminum, its very easy to burn right thru your work peice compared to steel.
Also, make sure to keep the workpeice very clean. Its much easier for contaminents to get into an aluminum weld compared to steel. Wire brush the peice and use a degreaser and solvents on it first to make sure it is clean.
Tack weld often to help prevent warping and to help 'preheat' the peice to reduce thermal cracking.
As far as sheilding gas, straight argon, or an argon helium mix works well.
Pat
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Post by Alex94TAGT on Apr 30, 2005 23:24:57 GMT -5
Thanks guys.
I might try it someday, though it really would be best to spend the money towards getting a TIG machine. They are just so dang expensive. I don't think I weld enough to justify the cost...
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Post by AAron on May 1, 2005 13:46:50 GMT -5
yeah they arent cheap. and you dont wanna go cheap when buying one either. im lucky i get practice here at college, best part it is free  |
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Post by JoshuaJames on May 2, 2005 21:14:35 GMT -5
millers web site has an excellent forum with pros, I mean pros! Not to devert traffic.
I just purchased the miller syncromatic 250 and havent looked back. much better that the economy unit it replaced in the shop.
As for the gas shielded welding vs. flux cored, how much are your grinding wheels costing you?
MIG welding of steal uses 75% argon & 25% co2, aluminum welding uses pure argon for shielding.
If you decide you would like to buy a spool gun let me know i have one that is nearly new i will sell cheep.
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Post by JoshuaJames on May 2, 2005 21:15:08 GMT -5
millers web site has an excellent forum with pros, I mean pros! Not to devert traffic.
I just purchased the miller syncromatic 250 and havent looked back. much better that the economy unit it replaced in the shop.
As for the gas shielded welding vs. flux cored, how much are your grinding wheels costing you?
MIG welding of steal uses 75% argon & 25% co2, aluminum welding uses pure argon for shielding.
If you decide you would like to buy a spool gun let me know i have one that is nearly new i will sell cheep.
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Post by Alex94TAGT on May 2, 2005 22:10:12 GMT -5
Thanks -- I'll definitely check out their forum~
For the most part, the stuff I've been welding didn't need to be really nice looking, but I know that a 'nice looking' weld is a strong weld. If I were doing anything fancy, I wouldn't even consider flux core. I already have some regular (non-flux) wire -- I will DEFINITELY try using inert gas. From what I've heard, that will make a huge difference. I get tired of cleaning up all the excess slag of flux-cored wire, but I think it was a good stepping stone for me...
How about plasma cutters -- anyone have/used one? That'd be another machine I'd like to add to the garage... but then again, I really don't do enough metal work to justify having one. I just love tools, but what guy doesn't...
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Post by JoshuaJames on May 3, 2005 15:42:54 GMT -5
What do you what to accomplish with the plasma cutter? It is a great tool to have and if you are interested in purchasing one check out the hypertherm cutters. However, with enough grinding you can accomplish nearly the same thing with a gas torch.
The cnc plasma cutter I have uses a hypertherm machine and I have had no problems.
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Post by mitchntx on May 6, 2005 5:57:01 GMT -5
I use my plasma cutter all the time.
Using a straight edge, you can make some cuts look like it was done with a shear ...
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Post by streetbad on May 6, 2005 18:36:35 GMT -5
Mig welding Aluminium is easy, just make sure you have enough heat.
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