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welding aluminum

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DeTwang
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 268 Shingletown, Ca. (Near Redding)
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2005-03-06          107380


I've been wanting to try and learn to weld aluminum. All I have is one of those lincoln weld pak 100 MIG setups and I don't relish the thought of reconfiguring it back and forth when switching between aluminum and steel.

So, being as I've always heard that if you can weld using oxy acetyline you can weld with anything, and I've been thinking about getting an OA torch setup, I'm wondering if aluminum can be welded with just the gas?

If so, how difficult is it to learn? Any tips on this as to where I can get more info, and as to anything to watch out for when shopping for equipment? As always, price is an issue for me, but I don't want to base purchases soley on that.




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AV8R
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 882 North Central Wisconsin
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2005-03-06          107395


DeTwang: To learn to weld AL with a gas torch, contact your local EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assoc.) chapter and ask those folks. They are always putting on seminars and classes on that type of stuff.

It is possible to create some beautiful aluminum welds with a gas torch, but there are "tricks" and some special tools to make it work right. The old (now retired) welding instructor at my tech school had a set of green tinted goggles for this purpose, he said you could see the "melt" better (?). I've never done it, but I know it can be done. ....


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earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
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2005-03-06          107399


Beleive it or not I have welded AL with only a propane torch, a wire brush and an aluminum alloy welding rod specially made for welding with a torch---very similar in method to brazing. I bought it the local welding shop for something like $10 for a half-pound. Well worth it. The key is keeping the surrounding metal hot enough without melting it and free of oxidation. A similar welding rod was adverised on a local info-mercial that appeared to work even better the the stuff I used. I could be wrong, but I think I also saw the rod at Tractor Supply Co. ....


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BillMullens
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 649 Central West Virginia
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2005-03-07          107412


I bought a 135 Lincoln MIG to use on aluminum and steel. It is a pain switching back and forth. But I found it easy to learn to weld aluminum.

I tried welding aluminum with OA torches...couldn't get the hang of it. Some experienced welders say it is the way to go. Maybe I'll try again someday...

Good luck,
Bill ....


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k9fletch
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 52 Whittemore, MI
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2005-03-07          107432


I'm no expert on welding but just last week I was looking up some other info on welding and I came across a short chapter on gas welding on aluminum, here are the notes that I took down:

thickness of metal should be less than 1/4" and greater than 0.050"

O/A is possible but Oxygen/Hydrogen works better, a seperate regulator/gauge for the hydrogen will be necessary torchs can be the same but use the next size up tip than you would if you were welding steel.

Cobalt blue lens for your welding goggles help see the puddle.

SolarFlux/Golden empire corporation type 202.

Don't laugh too loud but this info came from a Monster Garage book about welding at my local library one of two welding books that are in their selection. Hope it helps.



....


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Hettric
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 133 MA
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2005-03-07          107489


If you google on tm technologies this site has much info on gas welding aluminum
Good luck ....


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DeTwang
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 268 Shingletown, Ca. (Near Redding)
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2005-03-10          107753


Hi guys,

Thanks for the advice. I found a video online (link below) that sounds interesting. If any of you have the time check out the page and see what you think about it. I'd like to know, especially from any that might have exposeure to it.

I also saw a torch kit at home depot (lincoln brand) for about $175 that seems to have everything but the tanks. But being ignorant I''m leery of plopping down the money yet till I know more.

What should I be looking for when buying a torch set? ....


Link:   gas welding aluminum video

 

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welding aluminum

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DeTwang
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 268 Shingletown, Ca. (Near Redding)
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2005-03-10          107756


Quote:
___________________
If you google on tm technologies this site has much info on gas welding aluminum
____________________

I found something called tin man tech (link below). Is that what you're talking about? ....


Link:   Tin Man Technolgies

 

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richardx
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 10 West Virginia
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2005-08-23          115322


Well,,number one,,I can tell you this,when trying to weld alum. with tig or gas it don't change colors,,it just melts,and if you ain't quick,,you got a hole,,,,use mig,,thing ....


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