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Welding question...

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Gliderman8

Gliderman8

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Does anyone know if you can spot weld thin gauge aluminum?
I am thinking of spot welding aluminum channel to aluminum sheet metal. Can it be done?
 
Yes, you should use a TIG welder, but it can be done with a MIG using aluminum wire, and I believe you have to reverse the polarity of the gun (Easily done on most MIGs.) Generally, trying to use a MIG on aluminum doesn't give really excellent results.
I have actually seen a guy weld together two pieces of thin gauge aluminum-foil (think gum-wrappers) with a TIG, and you couldn't see the seam! (Of course he is a welding instructor.)
 
weewillie said:
what about this

https://www.alumiweld.com/
Click to expand...

I've actually tried this and it works. It's like soldering. If you're trying to weld really thin pieces, such as the soda can that is shown, you have to be really careful with the heat. If you're using thick stock, you must use a torch that will heat the area to be welded faster than the aluminum can sink the heat away. Takes a little practice, but it does work.
 
In welding Aluminum, the heat is much more critical than most other metals. The heat range is very narrow. I agree with Banjo, that a Mig does the nicest job, with less aggravation. Welding Aluminum is an art and takes a lot of practice. Even though I can weld along with the best, Aluminum is not my cup of tea and I leave it to the experts! :wink: But that's just me. PJ
 
Thanks for the input everyone. I do know that it can be done with a TIG but I have access to a spot welder and was wondering if it would also work.
I'll post some photos when I get it done... working on something for my 6.
 
I have read somewhere that it takes a really expensive machine to spot weld aluminum. Much more complicated than steel. Gradual application of pressure and exact cool down rate. Stuff like that. The typical hobbyist spot welder will probably not work.
 
Thanks for the info. I am going to have it tig welded.
 
Good choice. The aluminum body on my 60yr old sports/racer had developed fatigue cracks. I attempted some repairs with alumaweld, it works with practice. I had it TIG welded by a professional, I am very pleased with the results.
 
I just dropped the parts off this morning to a professional. My parts are very small, nothing like body parts.
Will just have to wait until next week to see how they come out!
 
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