Dynasty 350DX on the way!

[swyman]

Just ordered a Dynasty 350 w/ tig runner today. THis is my first tig welder and I am pumped! Although not much tig experience I intend to get a lot! Anyone out there have one of these and could give me some hands on info??? I'm sure I'll have many questions so thanks in advance.

Shane Wyman
Modern Metalworking
Blissfield, MI

[JonnyTIG]

I don't own a 350, rather the older 300. Just got it for Christmas last year. I've used the Dynasty series for a few years, and have come to like the wave control and pulsing features over the years. I hear the 350 comes with extra bells and whistles, however the machines are pretty much the same. Read through the booklet before playing with the machine, unless you have prior experience in using one. Other than that, there's not much to say. They are very different from 'synchrowave' or older 'signwave' type machines, in that the parameters controlling the electrons can be manipulated in a vast array of sequences... Other than the specific controls of a dynasty, they are just another good quallity TIG machine. The most versitile of thier league in my opinion.

[swyman]

Johnny, quick question on aluminum filler. How do you tell which type to use. My first job when I get my machine will be an aluminum semi trailer, the stake pockets are cracked. The next will be an aluminum bulkhead on a Yamaha Viper snowmobile where the front shock mounts. I was looking at filler metals and found there are a few and was just curious about selection, well it's important. If I don't get the correct one will it not bond correctly?

[JonnyTIG]

For the trailer repair, use 5356. It is the most versitle filler to use with the alloys trailers are built from. I worked with aluminum trailers for several years, they were built from 6061, 5052, and 5454. All of these alloys weld the best with 5356, or 5554 filler. Your selection of filler for aluminum welding depends greatly on the finished product. Most cast engine parts and alike are based on the casting alloy 356. 356 is weldable with 5000 series fillers, however 4043 filler is a better color match for welding 356 castings, if color match is important. Another thing to consider when choosing a filler is the heat-treatabillity of the filler metal. Not all aluminum fillers are heat treatable, something to consider.

It is unlikely you will make a weld that wont hold just fine using 5356 filler on most types of aluminum alloys. For example, 5356 filler works with 1000,3000,5000,6000, and 7000 alloys. I'm not telling you that there isn't a better suited filler as per application, however 5356 is a very strong, versitle filler.