Welding, TIG, MIG

[RonT 1]

Go with the TIG first Then the MIG, Followed last by the stick. For strength most dump body builders use the TIG method

[JoeJ 0]

Ron, They TIG a whole tandem dump body? Awsome, I want that job, T and M!!!!!!! JoeJ

[JonetteP 0]

Please explain the acronyms. What is the best way to weld thin aluminum? Wich type of weld penetrates better? What is stronger? My buddy was navy certified on both of these and stick welding, but on the steel we used ( dirty old stuff) I could weld a better bead. Ah- the smell of burnt grass!!

[JoeJ 0]

Howdy, I'll give this one a try. TIG, is tungston with inert gas, or more often called heli-arc. MIG, I think, is metal with inert gas. Thin aluminum prolly would be best welding with tig, if you have the machine. If not it can be done with mig. As far as penitration, it would depend on what you were welding. I was a stick welder for many years, so on most steels, and with repairs on them, I lean to stick welding. But today mig is used for about everything. This is just my opinion, and bet you get a lot of different views on this one. JoeJ[A href='http://www.oldwelder.com']http://www.oldwelder.com[/a]

[Dutch 4]

JoeJ, It’s ironic this topic popped up at this time. I’m modifying a trailer. The framing is aluminum. I don’t own a MIG or TIG welder, just stick and gas, and I’m not going to spend a minimum of $1500 for a basic setup and spool gun for this one job. I wanted to be able to tack aluminum framing together as I fabricate (I’ll get a pro to do the actual welding when everything is ready). My welding supplier suggested “Aladdin 3 in 1” rod for gas welding aluminum, and “Eutectic 4021” electrode for stick welding aluminum. I bought both. The “Aladdin” will only “puddle” when trying to join 1/8” to 3/8” . If I apply more heat to the 3/8” for penetration, the 1/8” burns through before the 3/8” will even start to flow. I can’t even start to maintain an arc with the “Eutectic”. All I can get is a quick flash out. I’ve tried 40 through 160 amps and pre-heating to 400 degrees, same result. The aluminum is pretty damn clean, with all oxidation removed. Any suggestions?

[PatRarick 1]

I have very little experience welding aluminum, but for me, TIG welding was the easiest of all the methods. I had less luck with MIG welding, even less with arc, and none at all with gas. I use either arc or MIG for all other welding. This is just my personal experience, so take it as no more than that. Pat

[JoeJ 0]

Dutch, At best either of those methods are marginal. Your best bet is to ask the fella your going to have do the final welding, as some filler material may cause him problems. I could never get anything I was happy with useing stick on Aluminum, and never tried gas welding it. Check the current and polarity for the rods your useing, that may be part of the problem. JoeJ[A href='http://www.oldwelder.com']http://www.oldwelder.com[/a]