Tiging Aluminum

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kheaton
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SELF INTRODUCTION: My name is Ken Heaton. I've been in the medical field in the Army for the past 18 years and work on and build bikes as a hobby. My main hobby and goal is to think of parts that do not exist and make them or modify existing parts. I currently own a 99 Softtail that I bolted together, a 78 Triumph bobber that i built from the ground up, a 75 CB360 cafe, and a 76 Kawasaki KH500 that needs a lot of work. I joined the original forum about 8 years ago and I'm glad to see it up and running again!
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Tiging Aluminum

Post by kheaton »

I am planning to weld up the intake ports on my 78 Bonneville so I can drill and tap for a TR7 intake and convert to single carb. I know welding cast aluminum is going to suck so I've been practicing on some nice clean sheets. Thing is, I can't seem to get a puddle on the clean stuff. I sanded the oxide layer off, used a new tungsten ground on a new wheel, and a new stainless brush. Just when I think the puddle is forming and attempt to add rod, the arc is too hot and melts the rod about a half inch from the arc.

I'm using a Hobart Tigmate with trimix and have tried two different sized tungstens and 5356 and 4043 rod. WTF!

I'm good with steel but aluminum is kicking my arse!

Any welders have any pointers?

Ken
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rudog
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Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by rudog »

There could be something technically wrong like the distace of the electrode to the work or the angle of the electrode. One thing for sure is that aluminum likes to be pre-heated.
kheaton
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SELF INTRODUCTION: My name is Ken Heaton. I've been in the medical field in the Army for the past 18 years and work on and build bikes as a hobby. My main hobby and goal is to think of parts that do not exist and make them or modify existing parts. I currently own a 99 Softtail that I bolted together, a 78 Triumph bobber that i built from the ground up, a 75 CB360 cafe, and a 76 Kawasaki KH500 that needs a lot of work. I joined the original forum about 8 years ago and I'm glad to see it up and running again!
Location: Augusta, GA

Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by kheaton »

I pre-heated with my small propane torch but it has been mentioned that it may not be enough. Someone also told me to use 100% Argon. I have an extra tank I can exchange for 100% but I thought trimix was hotter. What do you use?

Ken
Jeff L
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Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by Jeff L »

Take this with a grain of salt, cause Im no Picaso when it comes to Aluminum.I crank the amps way up & hit it hard till the puddle forms, then I adjust amps with the peddle.Seems the quicker I get a puddle the cleaner it is.Try pulling the torch back just a little as you put the rod in the puddle.
Changing the shape of the Earth...1 bucket at a time...IUOE local 825 top of the food chain
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rudog
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SELF INTRODUCTION: Jack of all. Master of none. Worked in a machine shop since I was 8. Desgined embedded computers for a few years. Done lots in between. If there's anything I've learned with certainty, "Anyone who looks like they know what they're doing is putting on an act."
Location: Texoma

Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by rudog »

I've used 100% argon from the start. I switched to CO2 mix to see if it would work. I switched back very quickly.

I 2nd what Jeff says.
kheaton
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SELF INTRODUCTION: My name is Ken Heaton. I've been in the medical field in the Army for the past 18 years and work on and build bikes as a hobby. My main hobby and goal is to think of parts that do not exist and make them or modify existing parts. I currently own a 99 Softtail that I bolted together, a 78 Triumph bobber that i built from the ground up, a 75 CB360 cafe, and a 76 Kawasaki KH500 that needs a lot of work. I joined the original forum about 8 years ago and I'm glad to see it up and running again!
Location: Augusta, GA

Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by kheaton »

Got the 100% argon and 100% tungsten (I was trying to use 2% thoriated) today and holy shit! it was like a different machine. i still suck at tiging aluminum so that didn't change but at least I can start practicing now. Thanks guys

Ken
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Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by monkeywrench202 »

Welding 6061 automotive driveshaft assemblies is tough with 100 argon and pure tungsten. I switched to helium / argon mixed. It was like adding a supercharger to the machine. When the amps get high enough to do 0.120" wall tubing, the damn 50 amp breaker kept tripping. The Helium / argon mix , 2% Thor and our Square wave Lincoln 275 works great.

A good old gray beard I was introduced too, used to build pontoon boats, his advise when struggling w/ aluminum, MORE heat, get in and get out fast. If it takes more than 2 seconds to puddle, you need more heat and faster. It seems to work, so I am a believer.

Good luck
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curt
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Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by curt »

i like this post i cant weld aluminum for shit i have the pure argon and tungston but seems as soon as i get a puddle going poof i got a big ass hole im thinkin im just too slow im used to doing a ton of stainless i been thinkin bout takeing a night class there is noone arround here i kno that does aluminum that i can watch and learn from
ever notice when you hit somethin or someone with a hammer you feel instantly better
Jeff L
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SELF INTRODUCTION: Hey...I live in South Jersey (the Super Fund State) work as an Operating Engineer local825.Besides bikes I love to fish the surf.I have my current & seemingly endless project a BSA 750 Rocket3, a 72 Honda CB750,79 Kawasaki KZ1000, 48 Simplex, & a 62 Norton Atlas engine
Location: South Jersey

Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by Jeff L »

Maybe you're startin out with to material thats to thin.Get a piece of 1/4"& just run some beads on that.Youll get a feel of how the Aluminum takes the heat.Then move down to thinner stuff.I want to try the pulse setup on mine, but have never picked up a finger switch for my torch.I've always used pure Argon & 2% thoriated.What really gets me about the Argon is they hit me with a " hazardous material" charge when I get a bottle.
Changing the shape of the Earth...1 bucket at a time...IUOE local 825 top of the food chain
monkeywrench202
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SELF INTRODUCTION: I was a memeber on the old site, but couldnt log in here. I have a small shop where I do resto/ mods, build complete bikes (6 to date) ground ups. Been working @ Drive train specialists since 02 building custom automotive axles.

Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by monkeywrench202 »

It will take awhile, but this web site has some killer info:

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/
kheaton
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SELF INTRODUCTION: My name is Ken Heaton. I've been in the medical field in the Army for the past 18 years and work on and build bikes as a hobby. My main hobby and goal is to think of parts that do not exist and make them or modify existing parts. I currently own a 99 Softtail that I bolted together, a 78 Triumph bobber that i built from the ground up, a 75 CB360 cafe, and a 76 Kawasaki KH500 that needs a lot of work. I joined the original forum about 8 years ago and I'm glad to see it up and running again!
Location: Augusta, GA

Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by kheaton »

Well I couldn't get my torch in the intake ports so I had to farm that out but I was able to fix a broken fin while I have the head off
Before
Image
After
Image
A little more filing and a shot with the sand blaster and it should look stock
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curt
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SELF INTRODUCTION: hi everyone its me from the old bord hopeing to see everyone come here and all the newcomers . lets make this as good as the old one or even better . lookin foreward to seeing everyones projects continue and ill be continueing mine too
Location: utica new york

Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by curt »

nice work
ever notice when you hit somethin or someone with a hammer you feel instantly better
TattooLeeRoy
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Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by TattooLeeRoy »

Yeah, what he said.
We can do anything, impossible just takes longer.
kheaton
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Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2012 10:12 pm
SELF INTRODUCTION: My name is Ken Heaton. I've been in the medical field in the Army for the past 18 years and work on and build bikes as a hobby. My main hobby and goal is to think of parts that do not exist and make them or modify existing parts. I currently own a 99 Softtail that I bolted together, a 78 Triumph bobber that i built from the ground up, a 75 CB360 cafe, and a 76 Kawasaki KH500 that needs a lot of work. I joined the original forum about 8 years ago and I'm glad to see it up and running again!
Location: Augusta, GA

Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by kheaton »

Thanks guys. I have a lot more work to do but garage time is slim with a 4 year old consuming most of my time.

Ken
Jeff L
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Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2011 5:09 pm
SELF INTRODUCTION: Hey...I live in South Jersey (the Super Fund State) work as an Operating Engineer local825.Besides bikes I love to fish the surf.I have my current & seemingly endless project a BSA 750 Rocket3, a 72 Honda CB750,79 Kawasaki KZ1000, 48 Simplex, & a 62 Norton Atlas engine
Location: South Jersey

Re: Tiging Aluminum

Post by Jeff L »

Nice job on the fin repair.I have to do the same with one of my rocker boxes
Changing the shape of the Earth...1 bucket at a time...IUOE local 825 top of the food chain
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