james chambers

[james chambers]

elo all, have spent most of mi life stickin metals together for a livin, most ways from open fire weldin thru gas thru stick thru mig[on steels] got involved in ally work on beavertails for a chum, used an old carmark transformer with an old but very good spool on gun jobby. i went thru all the probs ya can have with ally work and got it sorted. BUT , the welds were acceptable whilst ever i was working with new material. now when a truck came back in for reps i would have huge probs getting acceptable welds. i would wire wheel or wire brush the job clean but it never helped much. i got out of the game after not earning much, [sold the carmark and gun] i am now told i should have used stainless steel wheels and brushes. is it really that simple. i am heading towards it again now. looking for argon at the right cost. [sheffield] am new to forums so bear with me if i appear a plonka. jimbo.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Welcome to the site Jimbo... Can't help with the question..if it don't rust I don't weld it...am sure someone will come along with the answer.

 

[R Kraft]

Only clean stainless steel wire brushes for cleaning Alu.
Can't use them for anything else or they will be contaminated.
And a plastic liner for the wire feed.
Read this.:http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/aluminium-setup.htm
Robert

 

[james chambers]

jimbo

yeah, thats what im told. i think its just when it looks bright it must be clean, not so eh. we shall find out cos im goin back at it. ta for replies all.

 

[james chambers]

jimbo

Only clean stainless steel wire brushes for cleaning Alu.
Can't use them for anything else or they will be contaminated.
And a plastic liner for the wire feed.
Read this.:http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/aluminium-setup.htm
Robert

ya right , liner changed. welder set for ally. used for nothin else. whole welder kept warm when not in use. stops wire oxidisin. 300 amp elland.
changed over to old carmark unit with a spool on gun. a little better but still probs on used ally. i was told by sparky that my power supply was lackin. this i couldnt change , its just a domestic 240v. old world supply. the stainless cleanin tackle was the only thing missing. thanks again, jimbo.

 

[pedrobedro]

Rub it over with a rag and acetone after you've cleaned it with your stainless wheel or brush.