Aluminum, How Thick with a Syncrowave 180sd

[KS2K]

I finally splurged and bought a new Syncrowave 180sd. I have welded with stick and Mig for many years, TIG is a new Ball Game for me.

What can I figure is maximum thickness of Aluminum, Butt Joints, overlaps etc with the Syncrowave 180sd..

Thanks
Paul

[Welder99]

Paul,
A friend of mine got a 180 a while back.I had the chance to get under the hood with it and was amazed with the machine.I believe the machine was rated some where in the area of 3/16 Alum.Have fun with the new machine.
Welder99...

[Blondie_486]

Paul,

You can weld thicker aluminum than the rated thickness. You'll of course have to preheat the work and weld it in multiple passes as you would with stick. I have a 300 amp TIG machine at work and frequently weld 1/2 and 3/4 plate and even had an occasion to weld 1/2 plate to a solid 3x3 bar stock. I had to preheat and weld multi pass but it got the job done just fine.

Blondie

[KS2K]

Thanks for the information

I have a lot to learn with the new process (TIG). As soon as I finish my truck, about 30 days, I want to spend some real time learning. Then, I am sure I will have some questions to post here

Paul

[HAWK]

Blondie,

This will make you sick: I have done .750 aluminum with the Dynasty 200DX. Same tricks: joint prep, 300 degree preheat and interpass temp, multipass ,and addition of helium to the argon. You need to ride up and check out Bob's machine. That is a very generous offer! If I lived closer, we could all hook up and play. There is nothing like recess on a TIG playground!

[Blondie_486]

HAWK,

Maybe we should all meet at the PRI show in Indy this December and hang out at the Miller exibition and hang in the Dynasty display and all play there?

I'm going to try to be able to get up and visit Bob and see the Dynasty in action and see if I can't give him some pointers too.

Who knows I could end up closer to you anyway? It all depends on where I can get a decent job. I'm going to submit a resume to the place out west that needs the precision TIG welders but that's not saying I'd get the job. Perhaps they want locals?

Well I have to run, it's time to leave for work.

Blondie

[HAWK]

Blondie_486,

I am making plans to go. I have family in Speedway, Indiana. It's a shame to say, but I have not been to INDY in years.

[KS2K]

Blondie_486

You mentioned pre heating the aluminum. Are you refering to pre heating with a Oxy/Acty torch with a rose bud tip ? How do you tell when your pre heat is good enough to weld, and not go to far and melt the aluminum ?

Thank You
Paul

[HAWK]

Paul,

I cant't speak for Blondie, but I use MAP gas and a plumbers torch. I also have a non contact IR thermometer to check my temperature. If not, then heat sticks work well too! Remember aluminum melts around 1200 degrees F while its oxide coating melts at 3000 degrees F+.

[Blondie_486]

Paul,

I use an oxy-acetelyne torch (neutral flame) but I don't use a rosebud tip, if the work is relatively small I use a #1 or #2 welding tip and if it's pretty heavy stuff I usually use the cutting torch with a #1 tip (and don't hit the cutting lever). I've been told that the preheat should be between 450 and 500 F, but I don't really measure, I've done it long enough I can seem to tell when it's hot enough I guess. If you don't have a non contact thermometer then "Tempil" sticks work too just don't use them in the area you intend to weld.

On the heavier stuff once you get it going the hotter the aluminum gets the better it seems to weld. I don't get into the thin guage aluminum though, all our thin stuff is always stainless steel.

I hope this helps you out.

Blondie

[Paul Seaman]

Hawk when is the show in INDY? I used to live there but grew up here in Evansville. I'd like to go but have to put in for vacation as early as possible, if I have a chance of getting it off. I used to work at a print shop at 16th and georgetown behind the white castle opposite the track. It was a bummer during May but I got to meet a few interesting people.

Peace

[Blondie_486]

Pjseaman,

According to Andy "The PRI show is in Dec 9-11."

He also said you can't see it all in one day either.

Blondie

[Paul Seaman]

Blondie: Thanks that is just in time for christmas maybe santa will get my new 200dx.

[Blondie_486]

Pj,

Yeah Santa will leave you a 200DX and all I'll get is a lump of coal!!!

[Paul Seaman]

Blondie:
My wife actually bought the mm210 with spoolgun. So it is a possibility. Hey christmas is for the kids right, I'll never grow up sooooo, really it could happen!

Be good