Originally Posted by
20/20 vision
if you're doing aluminium the key is cleanliness cleanliness cleanliness. did I say cleanliness?
get some acetone and stainless brushes (must be stainless!). the little packs of 3 small brushes you get from halfords / ebay or the local Pound shop typically have a stainless brush which is ideal. use it for nothing else but scraping off the oxide layer on the aluminum AFTER you have cleaned the metal first with the acetone. if you don't do that it may end in a puddle of the garage floor!
Yes and no.
Certainly when starting not having it clean will add the the headaches. But the more you weld, certainly for simple garage stuff, it becomes a little less critical.
I know I've been lazy on more than a few things and they've welded fine ( even by my poor standards ). And there are other videos with skilled people online showing stuff can still weld ok without going mad over cleaning.
But in general, yes you are right, everything clean bare dry aluminium, including the filler rod.
Tungstens...havent really a clue on that one, as so many seem to crossover to different materials. I'm currently on blue and a FUPA cup and they seem to be doing well for me. And 2.4mm tungstens and filler rod.
Tried the thinner rods that were supplied to me with the welder at the start and I couldnt get the rods anywhere near the weld without them melting lol.
Tungsten grinding....I do just use a flap wheel, but there was a video online where a proper grinder did seem to produce a much tighter and more controlled arc.
I'm doing ok though without it, but something I may consider in the future.
Tons of videos on Youtube though, both from Aaron 6061 and I think one was The Fabrication Series. I was watching a load of them over Xmas lying in bed doing fuck all.