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Aluminum Welding Training programs have a lot in common.
Usually, you start out welding beads with and without filler rod.
Then you progress to butt joints, lap joints, and tee joints… in various positions.
Advanced aluminum welding training programs might even included tubing in all positions.
This week’s video includes some techniques for welding a lap and tee joint.
I spent some time field testing a tig welder and I figured I might as well do some joints and try to get some instructive film clips.
So while I was going through a few of the settings on this new tig welder, I used a lap and tee to test different settings.
When the bugs get worked out and this welder is ready to go to market, I will do a follow up with some more joints.
But remember this if you are trying to get better at welding aluminum…
If you can’t run a decent bead yet, don’t waste a bunch of metal trying to weld lap and tee joints.
Do the aluminum drill.
( As always, feel free to visit us at our sister site, WeldingTipsAndTricks.com. )
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December 25, 2012 at 5:39 PM
With little enerpiexce You should go with a mig welder. Arc welding takes a lot more time to get it correct. And if you are welding a frame you don’t want to practice on it. An arc welder will give You more penetration but is harder to do. There are different types of mig welders. One has flux in the wire the other uses a tank of inert gas to help the weld stay clean. The one with gas can be a higher amp model that will work fine for your application. The flux wire is good for thinner steel and I wouldn’t suggest using it for a frame. Also any good arc welder will use 220 volts where a mig can run on 129. Just remember to use a dedicated outlet with no other things on the breaker or you will keep tripping the breaker.
July 1, 2012 at 10:52 PM
Thanks for posting this training video!! I Acquired a Miller Diversion 180 machine about 1 month ago and started welding on steel. My steel welds were getting ok so I started on aluminum! My flat aluminum welds started looking Ok thanks to all your video’s and advise on your site! Then I tried a “T-Joint” like the one in this video….. what a mess! The arc was jumping back and forth from surface to surface. Where ever the arc was aimed the metal would flow and stop on the other piece that didn’t have enough heat (I guess)?? I think my tip was not close enough to the surface or close enough in the angle (T)? I’m going to try this again with the tip as close in the angle as I can…..
I am welding 11 gauge aluminum at 120 amps AC with 1/16 2% lanthanated my gas is set at 15 cfm and I’m using a “gas lens” with #7 cup… I will repost when I find a solution…. or … if you see a flaw in my process please advise!
THX….. Steve
May 9, 2012 at 12:58 PM
I work as a licenced tigwelder for the oilindustry in Norway, and I´ve had a lot of
use watching your videos and reading your tips and tricks.
Just want to thank you for your time and effort Jody, there is a lot of young (and old!) kids
who can learn a lot from watching.
Thanks and keep going / Tim