Aluminum using DC

**ahack3r** · 08-17-2010, 10:35 PM

I know, its a crazy though but I have seen people do it, but never nearly as pretty as (my) AC welds. nonetheless, AC/DC machines are $1,000+ and I have this thing called college angry2 so I was wondering if anyone has attempted TIG welding Aluminum with a DC machine?

**weldingtwopotatoes** · 08-18-2010, 02:45 AM

I looked into this a while back and it didn't seem like it was worth trying. From what I read it only works on thick metal and you need a special gas. Trying a DC TiG weld on aluminum leaves you with a black oxidized weld. Have you ever cooked with a non-anodized aluminum pot? It ends up getting all black which is oxidation from the heat. The same thing happens when welding but with AC the switching of polarity blasts the oxidation out of the way.

**SICFabrications** · 08-18-2010, 05:27 AM

couldnt have said that one better, potatoes.... good job

**gilly** · 08-18-2010, 10:09 AM

There's a guy on youtube somewhere welding Al. with DC. It worked,but like you said it didn't look so great,and he kept having to wire brush it down after he would stop welding.Like he would have to clean it before he could continue.

**ahack3r** · 08-18-2010, 12:47 PM

I found that youtube video, thanks for the info.

**SICFabrications** · 08-18-2010, 07:18 PM

the real deal is this....... the AC sine and cosine waves of the alternating current will alternatingly put heat into the metal as well as burn oxides off, giving you the REQUIRED cleaning action needed to weld aluminum.... DC does not give that to you..... there is a reason why there is AC tig for aluminum, and DC tig for steel and SS.....

my thing, spend your money once, cry once.... spend your money now, and then have to spend more once you figured out that your idea was crap, you cry twice... buy the machine needed to do the job properly the first time

**ahack3r** · 08-18-2010, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by SICFabrications

the real deal is this....... the AC sine and cosine waves of the alternating current will alternatingly put heat into the metal as well as burn oxides off, giving you the REQUIRED cleaning action needed to weld aluminum.... DC does not give that to you..... there is a reason why there is AC tig for aluminum, and DC tig for steel and SS.....

my thing, spend your money once, cry once.... spend your money now, and then have to spend more once you figured out that your idea was crap, you cry twice... buy the machine needed to do the job properly the first time

you're right, I keep looking for some cheaper way to get what I want...When I really should just be patient and invest in a Longivity WeldAll 200PI

**junes** · 10-01-2010, 05:08 PM

you can dc tig aluminum i have done it in some instances. You need UHP helium which is very expensive and you also need to keep things very very clean. In most instances it is done on thinck sections say .5inch and up. Another point to make is that when you mig weld aluminum you use dc so basically the same proccess.