PowerTig 200LX Aluminum noob pics

[britstef]

you had the settings right and looks like u need to heat up the alum first a lil more give it more heat so that it would absorb the filler rod better and its hard to go over mig welds

[performance]

Cleaning the welds before you start is as important as the weld technique itself.

If you want to make that weld look better, Turn up the heat a little on the welder, and go over the top of the weld without the filler wire. This Hot pass will smooth things out.

[jericho777]

Looks like my first welds too! You're brave to attempt welding on a critical part right off the bat. You'll know how good your welds really are once you boost it! Your ride sounds sick. How much boost and HP?
I have the same welding cart and a similar welding helmet from HF. I think my welding cart is a little top heavy. Other than that they work fine.

[performance]

It is a good idea to put a cheap ratchet strap or some kind of tie down on top of those welders, especially on those cheaper carts. Hopefully, we will have some sort of new cart available soon.

[everlastsupport]

Mad-Dax,

Yea, I would strap it down as Mark said, and I would move it around via the actual welder. Very slowly. The front casters are small and it is top heavy. You can not roll over a hose or cable like I can with mine

On the aluminum, like all else, practice, lots of it. Hook it up and see if it leaks. Pretty comes later. Aluminum is not as easy as steel, but I think you did pretty good if you started there.

Britstef,

Did you post your cart here in the project forum or just on welding weld? You are the fellow doing the tuna towers with the aluminum cart right?

[WAYNESWORLD]

Not a bad start. Keep trying you will only get better! I remember some of my first welds, a toss up between a bunch of grapes and pigeon crap! Do tell us about the project.
Wayne

[everlastsupport]

Funny Wayne,

I still have my youngest sons first weld. I called it chicken poop then. It was not aluminum, and the penetration was good and it will not break. Just looks like it needs a good flap wheel for a few minutes. I use it to keep parts together while I tack on that table. I also test our products on it.

Far as Dax, I think on his project welds it's not bad if it does not leak.

Dax, keep us posted on the project.

[Mad-Dax]

Mad-Dax,

Yea, I would strap it down as Mark said, and I would move it around via the actual welder. Very slowly. The front casters are small and it is top heavy. You can not roll over a hose or cable like I can with mine

On the aluminum, like all else, practice, lots of it. Hook it up and see if it leaks. Pretty comes later. Aluminum is not as easy as steel, but I think you did pretty good if you started there.

Bretstef,

Did you post your cart here in the project forum or just on welding weld? You are the fellow doing the tuna towers with the aluminum cart right?

I put my hand over one end and then blew/sealed the other end with my mouth as hard as I could and I heard no leaks.

LOL I don't move the cart..the room it is in is 10x10 and if you can see it is cramped. I sit in front of the welder to the left on a bucket and use my little cheapo aluminum tablesaw as my welding table...LOL

Nope not the same guy as the Tuna tower...I saw his setup and that is why I bought the same cart....$40.

[Mad-Dax]

Last night I decided to fix a problem. I made a cut about an inch too much on my intake plenum base. So I decided to add it back on. This is 3/8" T6061. I used a 3/32 Thoriated, 160 amps, full 200 frequncy, A/C balance was about the 10-11 o'clock position, 5356 1/8 filler. I cleaned it pretty well. This took me a whole 5 minutes. Two passes. One on each side. I made a V groove on one side the other side was flush. I welded the flush first then turned it over and used lots of rod to fill the gap. I find it hard on the ends because it is melting pretty good so when I come to the end it kinda melts through and so I stop short and then came back at it with some spots on the ends.

[johnson697]

bet it was a pain to weld between the manifold pipes

[britstef]

yes thats me the one who does tuna towers

[everlastsupport]

Hey Britstef,

Dax was having a little trouble at the start on aluminum and I recalled you did the towers, figured you could offer pointers as well.

But looks like he getting it under control.

[welderdude]

Nice job! That really is pretty good for being new to TIGing aluminum.

[Wookie]

keep up the practice eventually it will come first nature and be consistant