Topic: Good welder for aluminum?

[Industrial Rat400f Killer]

 I'd like to start welding up my own aluminum parts but I really have no idea where to start. Can somebody suggest a welder that is reasonably priced. I'm not planning on a career, just the ocasional piece.

[78 k550]

I would say shape your pieces some how stick them together and take them to someone who has been doing it awhile. If you just want to learn and trial and error. I would find someone set up or take a class.

Paul

[Industrial Rat400f Killer]

Taking a class is a good idea.

[ev0lve]

Taking a class is a good idea.

Been poking at that. Can't find much around here that's not in the community colleges and $$$$.

I did run up on this though
http://www.teachstreet.com/search/search?what=welding&where=Seattle%2C+WA&search-submit=Search
Any place named Hazard Factory is A-OK with me  

[johnny_from_bel]

Idealy you need a TIG machine to properly weld aluminium. That will set you back a few $100. It can also be done with MIG.

I took welding lessons and that is realy what you should do to.

For the odd piece I use alumiweld that works just fine.

[Industrial Rat400f Killer]

Iggy,
Thanks for the links to local training, it seems as though one of those could pan out.

Johnny,
What type of torch do you use with the alumiweld?

[johnny_from_bel]

Iggy,
Thanks for the links to local training, it seems as though one of those could pan out.

Johnny,
What type of torch do you use with the alumiweld?

Just a regular butagas torch.

[mec]

I would say shape your pieces some how stick them together and take them to someone who has been doing it awhile.Paul

No!
first go to someone who is a good welder and ask him how to shape your pieces.

mec

[bucky katt]

i'm self taught for the most part. i was already able ot make structurally sound aluminum welds, then when i did some part time work for Metalhed, i learned how to do nice looking welds as well.

[wannabridin]

on what kind of welder though bucky?

i want to try to weld Al on my hobart handler 140, it's capable with shielding gas, and i hear it can do a decent job.  i just need to get some scrap pieces, gas and some welding rod. 

[bucky katt]

lincoln pro mig 140

[wannabridin]

nice!  does yours have the rheostat control for amperage?  that's one thing i wish i had, but mine will still lay down good enough beads.  how well does yours do Al?  i'm thinking about doing my new roof rack in Al instead of conduit for weight savings, but i'm not 100%

[bucky katt]

no it does have the rheostat for feed speed but 4 or 5 seperate clicks on the power knob. the one i have is an earlier model purchased 4 years ago.

[wannabridin]

gotcha.  what size Al wire do you use?  also, what kind of shielding gas?

[bucky katt]

85/15 mix gas. i think the wire thickness is .035" but i'm not totally sure.

[Industrial Rat400f Killer]

I'm going to Hazardfactor this Friday after work for welding class. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Industrial Rat400f Killer]

Dusty is a super nice guy and I learned how to TIG weld aluminum Friday night. I still suck at it but I have some idea of what I'm doing. He said he might rent out a bench or two at his shop and I'm considering it.
He helped me finish my seat pan, I'll post pics later.