New here need help

[Shergernetic]

I am going to make my own fuel tank will aluminum work or should I go with steel

 

[Nodroz]

You need another welding technique to weld aluminium, as far as I know. However, if you can weld aluminium, I would go for that, rather than steel, because steel will become rust over time.

 

[tvaughan]

I have never fab'd my own gas tank up before, but some thin stainless would do pretty good i would think, you need a different gas to weld on it, CO2 doesnt work on it. when i welded stainless which was for a handrail, I THINK i used 75/25 mix of Argon/CO2, which was for a single pass, But dont hold me to it, argon is a bit more on the price. If you dont have any, just take it to a welder and have him weld it up for you, probably save money in the long run anyways. Aluminum you would need a TIG welder, which for a decent one costs up to 2,000 dollars.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Aluminum you would need a TIG welder, which for a decent one costs up to 2,000 dollars.

No, you can MIG aluminum. You would use straight Argon gas, and the appropriate liner, tip, etc. Many machines have trouble feeding aluminum wire, a spool gun is usually suggested.

If you are equipped to weld aluminum, I say go for it. However- with everyday (welding) tools and an average budget, go with mild steel. There are things you can do to prevent the rust.

As far as a "different technique", not really. Just an alteration of your existing technique.

 

[Shergernetic]

Thanks guys
I have a mig welder and I have welded alum before its not the best but it works and I was thinking about doing s.s. but they pricey I would like to do it with mild steel but it's the rust that I don't like but from reading your guys. Comments alum it is
Now how I'm I going to do the gas cap?

 

[r_chez_08]

You can use a paint called POR-15 for gas tanks made from steel.

 

[tvaughan]

For the gas cap, I would imagine you could buy a cap and a threaded side the cap screws to. Or you could make a spring loaded cap on a hinge with a rubber gasket to go around the hole and seal tightly.
But i have a few diesel tanks to re-fill diesel generators with, they are made of steel, it would probably work fine. you would just need to check your filter a little bit more sooner then later.