New to welding aluminum, let hear your .02

[Oldcrow]

I'm building an aluminum frame skid fish house and would appreciate any helpful tips.
I'm a DIY with welding experience but the first time I've welded aluminum.

Using 6005 aluminum and Hobart 5356 wire (.035)
Millermatic 211 and Spoolmate 150 set at 8.5/90 with straight argon

[aametalmaster]

Good set up. Practice on some scrap. Stainless steel wire brush. Acetone to wash where you are welding. Good luck and post some pics...Bob

[Oldcrow]

Here's a couple pics

[Oldcrow]

Is normal to have all the black soot around the weld in the first picture?

[Oldcrow]

Must me doing good, I can't break the weld

[aametalmaster]

Some soot will be there. 5356 wire has more Magnesium in it so its a little dirtier. Looks like you are doing fine...Bob

[Olivero]

Yeah, I only TIG so can't say for MIG but I get soot occasionally, normally if there is some trace of dirt on anything, could even be on the rod.