[Shop-talk] MIG welding Aluminum

[David Scheidt]

On Wed, Sep 24, 2008 at 12:49 AM, Jack Brooks <jibjib at att.net> wrote:
> Bob,
>
> 1. The Handler 140 (I own a 135) may be underpowered, depending on the
> thickness of the aluminum sheet.  See your manual about it.  The reason is
> that Aluminum will transfer the heat away from the work area quickly,
> requiring more power to complete a similar weld.  The Handler may not cut it
> if the fenders have some thickness to them.
>
> I attached a copy of my manual and a few other Mig tips.  The manual shows
> using a lot of power to weld aluminum sheet.  If you do proceed, and I would
> give it a try, put a box fan blowing on the welder to keep it cooler and
> extend the duty cycle.  I've done this when I've welded heavy steel with
> multiple stitched passes and never overheated (tripped out on temperature).
>

Attachments to the list don't get through.

> 2. Your current regulator is fine.

Maybe.  If he's using pure CO2, he's got a CGA-320 regulator.  Argon,
and mixed gas tanks have CGA-580 fittings.  The regulator may, or may
not, work with an adaptor.

>

-- 
David Scheidt
dmscheidt at gmail.com