Aluminum Welding Gas

jjastram

After searching on line, I found that a person needs 100% argon to weld aluminum with a wire feed. My tank is 75% argon and 25% CO2. How much will it mess with my welds? I'm not doing anything fancy, just making a rear bumper for a golf cart.

BGW

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dezrcr822

I looked into this also and it seems you should change out your liner as well. Guy I saw doing it recomended 5356 wire and also to use one size larger tip. Cleanliness is important so only files or brushes that have only been used for aluminum. I dont think you will get proper penetration and a noncontaminated weld with this method especially with argon mix sheilding gas. Im going to get a spool gun when money permits so I can do a proper job.

jjastram

I did get a new spool gun made for my welder for aluminum. It's just the gas that I have a question about. My tank is almost full and I didn't want to trade it in for 100% argon.

dezrcr822

Got it. Ideally ill get another maybe smaller bottle for straight argon. IMHO you wont get the cleanest or strongest welds with a mixed gas on Aluminium.

rlroberts

Look at rentals for argon gas.

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WVHarley

Good call getting a spool gun Pushing aluminum wire is is Very tricky, your rollers will flaten it easly and that causes issues pushing it threw the liner and tip. To answer you question. 100% Argon or you will have other issues.

jjastram

Thanks for the advice, I will probably go with a 2nd tank for argon.

EzgoTXT2002

Saw someone welding aluminum with overlapped
material and they were only using a microtip on
their torch.

Each weld was a nice point-tipped overlap weld
suitable for liquid or air at pressure containment.

ironmonkey17

Get the second tank (small one)and clean you material at the weld real good, and when you think its good enough, clean it again.. I use a new stainless brush and then I use acetone after.. good luck, that aluminum is a whole different animal...

Fairtax4me

You don't necessarily NEED 100% argon for aluminum but you will have a really hard time getting clean presentable welds without it. If you're just doing a patch plate on a machine or something that doesn't have to look nice you can get by with 75-25, but if you want good looking welds spend the $$ on a straight argon bottle.

Like Ironmonkey said, use a new stainless steel brush to clean the surfaces, be sure to get the edges as well. Any contaminants on the surface will burn and oxidize and ruin your weld.

Practice makes proficient. So spend plenty of time with scrap coupons practicing to get the best results and find the right technique for the best appearance for your welds.