Mig welding aluminum question.......

rip-lightnin · 05-01-2006, 02:27 PM

Has anybody ever done it here. just got me a new lincoln and was just wondering about the do`s and dont`s with this process on aluminum. I have TIG welded aluminum before and found it to be quite easy, but never MIG`d it. somebody gimme da scoop!

Half fast Toyn · 05-01-2006, 02:32 PM

You need a spool gun and argon gas. I do it once in a while at work. Dont wait for a puddle..it will be too late.

Mike

rip-lightnin · 05-01-2006, 02:36 PM

I got all the fixens. what I was mainly wondering about was the prep. cleanliness factor. pre-heating ect.

bcanini · 05-01-2006, 02:40 PM

Don't preheat, and clean it well! and like was said before don't wait for the puddle it'll be too late!

Brian

N.U.Angler · 05-01-2006, 07:59 PM

I weld Aluminum every day and cleanliness is the key to success. I wipe every thing down with acetone first and for those stubborn stains and dirt I use a small stainless brush. I don't preheat unless I have to weld something that's 1/2" or bigger with like small wire (0.035"). Also like they said don't wait for a puddle and don't stop moving till you are done. 1/4" and 3/16" material aren't too bad, it's the thin stuff that will make you pull your hair out.

Good Luck

Howard