[simpits-tech] TIG

[Joseph Fagner]

Only problem I've heard about using a typical MIG setup for aluminum is that
the soft aluminum wire tends to kink as it's going through the feeding
mechanism into the cable.

Now the easy way is to get a special handle that holds the spool right there
at the torch handle and feeds directly into the puddle without traversing
the entire torch cable.  I haven't tried this but heard it's about as easy
as it gets.

Oh, another thing.  I was TIG welding the other day and was getting horrible
contamination of the weld (pitting, like welding without gas).  Couldn't for
the life of me figure out why I couldn't get clean welds?  Checked
everything 4 times, switched welders, rechecked the gas, everything working
perfect (except for the welds).  Got brand new filler rod and still had the
same problem.  Switched to a different spot in the shop and problem solved;
now getting perfect welds with the same machine.  Problem was a small draft
in the particular area I was in.  Seems it was just enough to blow away my
shielding gas.  I knew it was like welding without gas.

Just a little personal experience in case you ever get pitted welds and
can't figure out why.

Jay

-----Original Message-----
From: simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org
[mailto:simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org] On Behalf Of Sean Galbraith
Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 2:01 PM
To: Simulator Cockpit tech list
Subject: Re: [simpits-tech] TIG


>Have you ever tried Mig welding aluminium?  I know it can be done but I've
>not tried it.

Piece of cake.  Swap the Argoshield for pure argon, load some ali wire and 
use normal stainless wire feed speed and temps.  It is really that easy (oh 
and keep the job clean, ali welding 101).

We use a some serious welders (TIG, MIG and Arc) where I work, the sort 
that take a crane to move and require warnings to local power users if we 
want to switch them into high gear :)  We weld stuff like 16 gauge 
Stainless to 8mm cold rolled steel plate. (and that's on "low", there are 
two higher settings than that!)

When I built a kennel and run for the dog I used all the good tools, so the 
dog now has one of the most over-engineered dwellings in history :)

SeanG.