51 replies to this topic

[DeadSquare]

Welding Aluminium soaks up filler rod, unlike steel or braze, and being able to feed it smoothly and fast enough is a knack that takes time to lean, and if you only weld ally occasionally, the knack sort of evaporates.

[l_jonez]

I spent months researching welders before I finally decided on a R Tech and it's been perfect for what I want.

[nicklouse]

Right next question, gas usage? Similar to a mig or .... as I will be buying my bottle just wondering if I should get a larger one than I have on the MIG or not.

[mini13]

Get a Big bottle, tig welding is slower going, so you'll use more especially till you get the hang of it. Also get a reg with a flow meter on, it'll pay for itself in one bottle...

Also if your looking at the rent free bottles, check the charge pressure, it can make a big difference to the cost/gas ratio.

Edited by mini13, 11 September 2019 - 12:17 PM.

[nicklouse]

Ok next question. Rods. What does what? Say I get some alloy sheet from my metal man do I need to know the spec or will a “standard” rod do the job?

Just been looking at https://www.r-techwe...r-rods/?cat=305

[Tupers]

Some 2.4mm 5356 rods will do you for all your general purpose welding of catch tanks and what not.

[nicklouse]

Cheers.

[nicklouse]

Some 2.4mm 5356 rods will do you for all your general purpose welding of catch tanks and what not.

Just a thought. Say making a catch tank. What thickness of sheet are they generally made from?

[Tupers]

It depends on the design but I’ve seen the type that basically a tube with a lid a base welded on that are about 2.5-3mm wall thickness 75mm dia tube.

I made a 2L dry sump tank for a Honda engined custom bike out of 2mm aluminium sheet and that was plenty strong enough.

[DeadSquare]

 

Some 2.4mm 5356 rods will do you for all your general purpose welding of catch tanks and what not.

Just a thought. Say making a catch tank. What thickness of sheet are they generally made from?

 

 

I don't mean to question your skill, but for a learner, probably best not to go below 3mm

[nicklouse]

Who said I would be going to do the tank direct?

Thank you for not answering the question.

[l_jonez]

My personal preference is 4043.

[nicklouse]

Cheers all good info. What I will be doing is asking my metal supplies place along with the welding supplies place what they would suggest but as there is a language issue getting some info first is always great.

[nicklouse]

ohhhh there are different materials for the electrodes.

 

and different sizes.

 

it seems to be a bit of a science to be getting started.

[Icey]

ohhhh there are different materials for the electrodes.

 

and different sizes.

 

it seems to be a bit of a science to be getting started.

 

 

Yes, and the angle at which you grind it and if you ball the tip.

 

Like all these things, you can get by with some basics but it you're aiming for 'stacked dimes' then these little things make all the difference.

 

I'd recommend watching the YouTube videos by 'This Old Tony', he goes into a lot of this and welder settings too.