Teaching myself mig "new (alum) pics"

[IamVince]

I bought a Lincoln 180...just got some c02 this morning(sweet!)here is a pic of my first weld...I would have gone further but as it is looks like I might have a hard time breaking it off my welding table.

By iamvince
And this is my shop lol...as you can see I really need a garage.

By iamvince

[Rhino]

I have been meaning to do that for the longest time. Keep at it Vince!

[junior]

looks good! couple of thoughts.....

- pure co2 is good for large wire, higher heat welds as it promotes high penetration. try a 75/25 argon/co2 blend for a flatter weld and less spatter.

- try pushing and pulling the electrode. also try vertical and overhead processes. it takes some practice, but you look like you have a steady hand.

-using dirty metal for practice is OK, but as a rule the weld areas should be ground or burnished to avoid pulling impurities back into the puddle.

-unless i am working in a controlled environment (a booth), i usually run flux core myself. it doesn't produce as nice a bead and does splatter some, but if welding on trailers or equipment in a blowing wind it works very well. keep in mind you have to switch the gun to electrode negative...

keep us posted and have some fun with it!

j

[Wide]

Looks good dude!!!


Like Junior stated, clean the metal as clean as possible.

BTW I need some things washed can you throw a load in that washer ? LOL

[IamVince]

Thanks j,I've joined a few welding sites and have been soaking up the info.Not surprised I would hear about my uncleaned metal.
Now I need some old bed frame's and a project...maybe a welding cart first.
I've ordered a spool gun and bought a tank of argon yesterday to try alumin welding.
This is a very small island with only 1 gas supplier....no mix only co2

[junior]

co2 will work fine, vince. the advantage to argon blends is that argon is inert to ferrous metals and therfore will leave a "cleaner' weld on smaller material.

as for the bedframe cart- i have one myself! if i get time i'll post a pic later....

j

[Blackcloud41]

Brings back memories for me. Its been 27 years since I last welded anything. MIG was great, but TIG was a beotch to master.

[junior]

here's the bedframe welder stand....

j

[harleydude]

Glad to see you working at it. Aluminum, now that's where cleanliness is so important. You'll see when you get started.

[wreckerman]

On Aluminum welding I have learned over the years a few key things 1 always use a wash " pink acid " to help prepare the service and rinse completely. 2 preheating with a small torch to not only dry but to heat what is going to be welded helps a great deal then you need to play with your settings some like a fast wire feed while others are much better at a slow speed you need to match your heat setting to your wire speed as well as for penatrations practice and practice then a little more practice will result in good looking welds