welding aluminum

[rocketkart]

have any of you guys ever welded .080 aluminum sheet with a spoolgun befor ? trying to get a idea on how difficult it is. thanks for any insight on this matter.

 

[rocketkart]

nothing at all ?

 

[DS13]

That is gonna be fairly tough i would think. You would be better off using TIG if you have the equipment to do so but even then that will be tough because aluminum is tough to weld in general.

EDIT: Depending on the dimensions of the pieces trying to be welded, you could possibly clamp a large and thick piece of steel behind the aluminum to act as a heat sink.

 

[Kartorbust]

It'll be kind of difficult since spoolguns are bulky but its doable. I'd practice on some pieces before going for the main weld to get practice. Aluminum is one of those metals where it can crack after welding. Maybe a bit of pre-heat and some post heat with a propane or MAPP gas torch to help.

 

[supermanotorious]

I'm ashamed to post I haven't even tried my Lincoln spool gun despite the $200 I dropped on it. I agree with above post, use a heat sink and think "tack"/"spot" welds and you can probably do it. I do have that SW200 TIG welder and have only done a little Al with it, nothing thin like sheet though. I cant stress enough, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE, on similar material if you can.