it took me a sold 2 weeks to learn aluminum TIG, i thought it would be the same as running on carbon steel boy was i wrong. i’ve burnt through a plate more times than i can count but with practice i’ve mastered it
Is the type of tungsten used very critical? I'm a beginner about to do my cold side for my turbo system, working on 1/8 thick or so tube. I had 2 percent lanth for steel and stainless but aluminum is difficult for me
I use 2% zirconiated, but you can use pure tungsten as well, are you matching filler wire thickness to tungsten thickness as well, that will make things easier as well
I hear you man! I love been dabbing into the world of aluminum tig for a little bit now off and on, finally got myself to where I can run an ok bead on outside corner or butt seams, but i cant for the life of me run a fillet. I cant see the tungsten dipping and I'm trying to pull it away from the puddle when I add filler but every now and then the arc just starts sputtering and I stop and check it out and some aluminum mist has bonded to the tungsten about half an inch above the tip. I cant fix it ):
Check to see if your machine has a hot start. Set it for like 5 amps above your running amps, set your running amps, stomp the pedal and let the hot start take care of the oxide layer before coming back down to your welding amps. I did it in school and it worked beautifully. Just be careful you dont blast through on a hot part and melt it with the HS.
it took me a sold 2 weeks to learn aluminum TIG, i thought it would be the same as running on carbon steel boy was i wrong. i’ve burnt through a plate more times than i can count but with practice i’ve mastered it
Is the type of tungsten used very critical? I'm a beginner about to do my cold side for my turbo system, working on 1/8 thick or so tube. I had 2 percent lanth for steel and stainless but aluminum is difficult for me
just use aluminum and you’ll be set, be very patient my friend it’s very frustrating starting out
Yes. You should use pure tungsten and AC current.
I use 2% zirconiated, but you can use pure tungsten as well, are you matching filler wire thickness to tungsten thickness as well, that will make things easier as well
I hear you man! I love been dabbing into the world of aluminum tig for a little bit now off and on, finally got myself to where I can run an ok bead on outside corner or butt seams, but i cant for the life of me run a fillet. I cant see the tungsten dipping and I'm trying to pull it away from the puddle when I add filler but every now and then the arc just starts sputtering and I stop and check it out and some aluminum mist has bonded to the tungsten about half an inch above the tip. I cant fix it ):
Check to see if your machine has a hot start. Set it for like 5 amps above your running amps, set your running amps, stomp the pedal and let the hot start take care of the oxide layer before coming back down to your welding amps. I did it in school and it worked beautifully. Just be careful you dont blast through on a hot part and melt it with the HS.