Looking for a TIG welder for aluminum

[Ambush]

As someone who got payed to tig weld, I'd say you're doing darned good! And it will only get easier. Contaminating the tungsten is a common problem for beginners. That and forming the ball after you contaminated it. If you have a few tungsten's, just prep them all at once then do a quick change until you're ready to do them all again.

You can also buy a little rod "feeder" that advances the rod as you go. But you can get pretty handy with just quickly re-grabbing it farther up.

Having the right size tungsten for the metal volume (required heat input) is fairly important too.

Have fun, you're well on your way!!

[West Valley G]

I basically know nothing about welding but still think that is pretty darn
cool.

Ken

[Oak]

I got more play time on my TIG machine yesterday. The reason I purchased this A/C TIG machine is because of this busted tab on the rear of my 2072. Although the tab isn't needed with Sam's rear brace kit I still wanted it on there.
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Welding cast aluminum is pretty hard because of all the trash inside of the material and it has been soaked in oil for years. I still need lots of practice to make them look good but I think this will be "good enough" for now. I'm still thinking about cutting a V and welding the bolt holes shut and re-tapping them. What are your thoughts on that idea?
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[ol'George]

Oak,
you have a God given talent.
enjoy it,
it will only get better with practice.
------Please tell me you don't paint like Bob Ross

[Farmall450]

Originally Posted by Oak

Well, that was my first thought also with the gun but when I looked up the number for my machine the gun was $700+. I didn't look to see if I could find a gun cheaper yet. I do have a tank of argon.

IIRC I was thinking that I heard people say the guns didn't work that well on aluminum. I don't know if that is true.

There are generic guns on eBay -- I got one for my Hobart Ironman but haven't actually tried it yet. They are pretty well reviewed and available for all the brand names.

[Oak]

Originally Posted by ol'George

Oak,
you have a God given talent.
enjoy it,
it will only get better with practice.
------Please tell me you don't paint like Bob Ross

Thank you my friend. It was aggravating and fun while I was working on the repair.

[Ambush]

I mentioned in an earlier post about filling the hole in while you were welding it up, but you still can. If you have a drill press that you can clamp solidly too, it's possible to run an endmill slowly through the hole. Then with the tap guided by the drill chuck put that through. The trouble with trying to "free" drill the hole now is the bit will want to chew out the threads opposite the gob of weld.

If you want to just give it a try, I'd suggest taking a small diameter aluminum burr and removing that gob right to the thread depth. Then start your tap in from the side with the most original thread. You always have the option of just welding it in if you don't like the results.


If you decide to weld it in, you can "V" it from both sides with a big drill bit. Weld it in with smaller beads rather than trying to get a really big puddle going.


Either way, you've broadened your knowledge and scope. Congrats!