Teaching myself mig "new (alum) pics"

[Wide]

Hi
I have worked as a Alu welder and to my experience it is WERY hard to make a dissent weld with a DC welding machine (like the Lincoln 180) for a good result you need a AC machine with a minimum power of 180- 200 amp and up to 400amp.



//lars

Your not kidding there, alum needs all the power it can get.
We preheat the thicker parts to help out.

[firestopper]

Nice job Viking Bob. That is some pretty welding beads you layed down. In a past life :-) I was a shipfitter (Hull technician) non certified, in the Navy and after in the Auto Body business and welding is an art that does not get the recognition it should.

[hefitz04wg]

Just a note about welding aluminum. As others have said, cleanliness is extremely important. Use only stainless steel wire brushes. Use electric grinder with wheel made for aluminum. Pneumatic grinders will blow oil and other contaminants all over your work.

[IamVince]

Bob where heck were you last year when I was trying to learn this stuff...ok so you go up and down the bead?makes sense to me I'll try it next time.

[viking-bob]

Hi all
NOTE to welding alu.

------- CAUTION-------
It is extremely dangerous to weld in alu. the process generates O3 (ozone) smells like fresh mountain air.. But it will penetrate your lungs and with time kill you.... Always use fresh air gear and good ventilation....

//Lars

[IamVince]

Thats ok I've been welding galvanized this weekend...not good either from what I've read.
I have a shop now and do my welding outside in the wind.
I didn't know that about alum.