need tig welding help

[062stang]

im trying to learn how to weld aluminum. i have a miller syncrowave 180 SD im learning on. the 230V one.

my question is what kind of tungsten should i use? i thinking 3/32 green band.
also how far out should it be sticking past the ceramic cup?

also on the front panel it has 3 selections electrode negative, electrode postive and a/c. for aluminum i use a/c right?

is there any other hints or tips anyone can give?

-umesh

[v8stangman]

You want to use the green band tungsten on A/C. The diameter of the tungsten depends on the gauge of metal you're welding but 3/32 is a pretty good all around size in my experience. I usually have the tungsten sticking out roughly the diameter of the tungsten depending on what I'm welding.

I've found the key to welding aluminum is cleanliness. Make sure you clean the aluminum really well with a new stainless wire brush and never use it for anything except aluminum. Aluminum may look clean but it oxidizes fairly fast. Basically if the aluminum has been sitting for more than 8 hours it probably has some oxidation and should be cleaned.

Also make sure you put the welder on DC and make a ball on the end of the tungsten before you start welding on AC.

[justin00v6]

At least try and read something that gives you an idea of how to weld, it makes the learning curve much easier.

AC is fine. 3/32 is good for around 80-120amps maybe...pure tungsten doesn't take much heat. I'm not sure if yours has balance control, my 250 does so I can run more amperage with a smaller tungsten.

[TuxMask-Andy]

use red. i know green is recommended buts its fragile. red works great as well


no more then .25" away from cup. The closer the better the futher it is away you will get the filler balling up all the time and will never dip into the puddle

Use wire brush and acetone to clean aluminum