Need a little help...

[Rodsmachineshop]

I found out when i started welding aluminum i started out low on amps then worked to higher amps if needed that way you don't fry your tungsten or burn threw your aluminum . also make sure your aluminum is nice and clean before welding

[jerky]

you want your tungsten to ball up on the end when welding aluminum

[Rodsmachineshop]

Mine don't ball at the end . http://www.thefabricator.com/article...ten-electrodes

[everlastsupport]

The ball on the end is normal. Drop the power down for sure (see Rods post), 150 is HOT unless you use the pedal and 1/2 the amps. Make sure you have straight argon too. Any co2 will toast the tungsten. Run the balance at 30% (see Rays post). Clamp is +. Gas flow at 8-10lp should be plenty. That is about it. Are you running 4043 or 5356?

Yesterday, did a measure once cut once, weld it back, grind and cut again... It was 1/8th aluminum angle 50-60 amps will do it for you, 70 if on the pedal should be fine.

[posixPilot]

you want your tungsten to ball up on the end when welding aluminum

So, hang on a second, are you saying that a balled up tungsten is actually desirable when welding aluminum? Or are you saying that a balled up tungsten is the normal result of too many amps? I'm new to TIGing, and I was planning on trying some Al next week some time.

Thanks
Mike

[jerky]

its normal for the end to ball up, nothing to worry about

[Rodsmachineshop]

if pure tungsten yes ball that was the rule on older tig machines , not on the newer sinc pulse wave welders since they don't use pure tungsten. rule for new machines electrode pointed for lower amps and higher amps pointed and truncated tip . that means grind to point then make tip flat on end about .010 - 030 . me myself i just knock the point off about no more than .010 . for what i weld and in a tight area i have to have a point so the heat and arc go exactly were i want it to go ,for example welding aluminum heads inside a intake or exhaust ports that has a crack or a crack between the valve seats ,cant have the arc dancing all around in a tight area

[everlastsupport]

The ball is pretty much something you will see with the 2% thoriated. Nothing to worry about as long as it is not bigger than the electrode . Grind them to a point and I tap the end to flatten the point.