Tig welding thin aluminum

[ant1277]

Hi, I need some tips on tig welding thin aluminum (.040 thick). I'm having trouble when I have two edges at a 90 degree and when I have a piece laying flat horizontal and one on edge vertical. I can get a puddle going on the horizontal flat piece but when I try to work the puddle up to the vertical piece it starts to burn away.

[fun4now]

you might try laying the wire in the joint and then striking the arc over the wire. this will give you a little more matereal to work with wile bringing it up to temp. be carful not to end up with a cold weld, but it will help reduce burn threw.

[fun4now]

i also find for inside corners, increasing the stick out and gas a bit helps to get the arc where you need it. be careful not to go too high on the gas flow or you will draw in air with turbulence.
let us know how it comes out. good luck.

[Laiky]

I would say practice first and foremost, it's tough. What machine, settings, and tungsten are you using? Filler and material alloy.

[Craig in Denver]

A backup piece behind where it's burning through will help. Since I have to clamp to something anyway, I make sure edges get backed if possible. If you have HZ adjustment turn it up to focus the arc.

[ASKANDY]

Yea, we need some base metal alloys and filler selections to help out. For our 030 thickness airboxes for our race cars, we use 3003 material and 1100filler. Outside edge set at 40Amps (but not using that much), Freq 100 balance 71. Inside, like fun said, extend tungsten a little, Amps 40-50, freq at 90, balance 76. 040-045 filler.

good luck!
Andy