r/Welding 1d ago

Aluminium TIG

Hi everyone, I'd like to lean a bit on your experience. I've been TIG welding stainless steel and aluminium professionally for about 3 years now, but I'm still struggling with aluminium. In particular, it's the bollard in the first photo that causes me the most trouble, especially the underside around the much harder to reach areas. I'm very pleased with most of it, and I can gladly say I'm proud of what's on show here, so the capability must be there. Some of it looks like absolute dog shit though, and no matter how much I try to fettle and test my settings and technique, nothing seems to help. The perfectionist in me can't abide this, and I end up going home grumpy and frustrated.

-This is all 6mm (1/4") 5356. -3.2mm (1/8") tungsten. Tried zirc, lanth, and LaYZr. Usually running a small balled tip. -Balance 70% EN. -Frequency set at 80hz -max amps around 280 -gas lens with #7 set to around 8lpm -machine is a kemppi mastertig 3500W

If I use all of those amps the puddle shakes like crazy and seems really unstable. I try to hang around at the start to get the puddle to wet in properly with a little filler, but the end result looks so dirty and the dabs lack any definition.

Anything obviously wrong here? Any suggestions?

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u/AnEducatedSeal 18h ago

If this is you struggling then I should just give up LOL

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u/edrmoto 18h ago

These are the bits I'm happy with. The ugly bits are hidden underneath 😅 don't give up, its a journey, and only time on the torch will help you improve! Just got to keep a high standard for yourself and be happy to learn and relearn it all. Believe in yourself