Econo-Box

So someone tell me if Im retarded. I know you can weld aluminum with a TIG or MIG welder but I don't know the first thing about welding in general. I have a flux at my disposal that I am gonna start ------- so I can learn how to get a bead going and ---- but I was wondering about Alum, is it harder to weld? What is the easist way and what is the BEST way to weld it.

I was talking with a friend about it and he said it might be easier than steel to learn with. I dont know a lot about it but I thought the temps were different and Alum needed to be hotter. someone skool me.

idiot-stick

easiest = tig
best = tig

BigWheeze

You can TIG, MIG, and Stick weld aluminium. Stick makes a ------- mess. MIG is fairly messy trying to set your machine is a hasel for someone that doesnt weld aluminium alot. TIG is the 'fastest', easiest, and best way for a newbie.

rudebwoy

and you can't weld aluminum with a flux

BigWheeze

Eh you're wrong, Look up Aluminium SMAW Electrodes. They use flux.... Shielded Metal Arc Welding which means its self sheilded.... I'm the 'omgmasterwelder'

gon3r

i think rude meant with a flux core wire feed welder? smaw is stick electrodes, not wire feed? am i wrong, or does smaw apply to flux core wire?

BigWheeze

"you can't weld aluminum with a flux." He never said SMAW, GMAW, FCAW-S, FCAW-G.

Econo-Box

I was only going to use the flux to get used to makin a nice bead and the basics. All though I think I am going to end up flux'ing the rest of the downpipe. I dont plan to be the next master fabricator but it would be sweet to try making my own mani's and strut braces. Cool ---- to play with in the new garage you know.

rudebwoy

I meant flux core welder. I have mig 125a and the only thing I can weld with it is steel. can't weld aluminum with it

BigWheeze

You can weld aluminium if it has a gas setup and teflon liner in the whip. Push Pull set ups work a lot better.