Fawken
Platinum Member
Nice work.
Ahp Tig welder 200x
- Thread starter ericher69
- Start date
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Nice work.
Fawken
Platinum Member
Update for those interested: My Argon purchase was delayed by a root canal and a motorbike crash, but today I finally sprung for a 150cf bottle at the LWS. I decided to train on the job so to speak, as opposed to just welding scrap aluminum and making paper weights. So, first project is a manifold for the washing machine (allows the water to be used on the yard instead of filling up the septic). Using 1/16 aluminum plate and having to make the inlet tube from scrap trailer skin which is very hard to weld and is slightly thicker than a soda can. I am very pleased with the results being my first ever experience with TIG.
The manifold:
First bead:
Second bead:
Inlet tube from scrap trlr skin:
Really loving this machine so far:
The manifold:
First bead:
Second bead:
Inlet tube from scrap trlr skin:
Really loving this machine so far:
Shield Arc
Super Member
Couple tips that might help. When working with aluminum, get your self a stainless steel wire brush. Don't use it on anything but aluminum! Clean your weld zones just before welding with the stainless steel brush. Get a Scotch-brite pad and clean your filler rod just before welding too.
Fawken
Platinum Member
Couple tips that might help. When working with aluminum, get your self a stainless steel wire brush. Don't use it on anything but aluminum! Clean your weld zones just before welding with the stainless steel brush. Get a Scotch-brite pad and clean your filler rod just before welding too.
Thanks. I have the brush, but forgot to use it. That aluminum is some I pulled from the scrap pile so it had been outside for over a month. The welds aren't pretty, but they're strong enough for this project and don't leak water. Argon was expensive, $207 for 150sf bottle (includes bottle).
Big Barn
Super Member
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The largest argon bottle I can buy around here is 80 cu ft and about $280 including first fill.
Terry
Fawken
Platinum Member
Well then I guess I cannot complain. The 150cf bottle was the same diameter as the 80 but about 5' tall. I learned today that scrimping on argon just makes for dirty welds and uses up tungsten faster.The largest argon bottle I can buy around here is 80 cu ft and about $280 including first fill.
Terry
Fawken
Platinum Member
A little play time with the AHP today. First time using the foot pedal which I found a little awkward for my battle worn ankle, but I came up with a quick fix with pallet foam that doesn't void the warranty and allows you to rest your foot on top of the pedal, keeps it from sliding, and for me gave me much better control: 
First using the pedal. I have actually repaired a chain guard, a water pump housing, and a clutch cable end using the torch trigger in 4T mode. I think the pedal will make these small jobs easier:
First using the pedal. I have actually repaired a chain guard, a water pump housing, and a clutch cable end using the torch trigger in 4T mode. I think the pedal will make these small jobs easier:
Shield Arc
Super Member
Can't say I've ever seen anybody operate a foot pedal like that before.
Fawken
Platinum Member
It actually works quite well. I have noticed that most of these Chinese machines have that same style pedal and I just didn't like it. If you are used to a rocker style pedal this gets pretty close and is a 5 minute fix.
OP
ericher69
Veteran Member
Are you cleaning/brushing the oxide layer off of the aluminum before welding? Hard to tell from the pic but looks shiny as tho you did not uses a SS brush to first clean the alum?
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