i have a dc tig and i was wondering what would happen if i attempted to weld it at low voltage in straight polarity. im asking because a welding shop gave me some free aluminum rod but i don't have an ac tig. just wanted to ---- around with it

 

it will burn straight through. my guess

 

Never tried it because the cost of the Ultra High Purity Helium you need and the gas flow rate required make it FAR from cost effective to even play with!!!

 

You don't need UHP to weld it...just need regular welding grade helium. It will take some getting used to, but really is useless to do on material less than 1/8". Any thinner material, and it will be VERY difficult to use DC to weld it.

 

wont really melt through unless you are running really hot. but it will be close to impossable to stabalize the arc and even get any kind of nice bead, or puddle even.

matt

 

DC can be used to put down some really nice beads on aluminum...but it's all about the operator's skill. I have a side job that I'll probably be doing some at in the next couple weeks. I'll try and remember to take some pics.