Bought a Miller Multimatic 200

[Big Barn]

Also, get some acetone for weld prep. Keep some just for this purpose in a small, sealed (it evaporates quickly) container so that when you soak your rag you don't contaminate the bigger can.





Terry

 

[Sodo]

Thanks Terry. They tried to sell me some "aluminum cleaner" in a spray can at the LWS but I balked, thinking that with a little research I'll findt some existing solvent that's cheaper.
So you don't think the "dedicated ALuminum wire brush" needs to be "stainless"? Thats exactly the brush I used, and it took off all my ripples. Not that there were many. Also I might not'a waited for it to cool.:duh:

 

[Big Barn]

Thanks Terry. They tried to sell me some "aluminum cleaner" in a spray can at the LWS but I balked, thinking that with a little research I'll findt some existing solvent that's cheaper.
So you don't think the "dedicated ALuminum wire brush" needs to be "stainless"? Thats exactly the brush I used, and it took off all my ripples. Not that there were many. Also I might not'a waited for it to cool.:duh:

Sorry for the confusion, Sodo. That was a stainless wire brush pictured. It was labeled to remind me it was dedicated for use on aluminum.

At my age I need all the reminders I can get although I have yet to label my sock drawer.

Here's my 'glove box'

 

[downsizingnow48]

At my age I need all the reminders I can get although I have yet to label my sock drawer.
]

Throw away all your socks. Buy 10 pair same kind. No need to fold or match and you can select two matching socks in the dark. This is a life changing experience.

 

[Big Barn]

Throw away all your socks. Buy 10 pair same kind. No need to fold or match and you can select two matching socks in the dark. This is a life changing experience.

I'm way ahead of you. Costco work socks. Black.

 

[dragoneggs]

Throw away all your socks. Buy 10 pair same kind. No need to fold or match and you can select two matching socks in the dark. This is a life changing experience.

When I retire... I am there!!!

 

[dragoneggs]

Also, get some acetone for weld prep. Keep some just for this purpose in a small, sealed (it evaporates quickly) container so that when you soak your rag you don't contaminate the bigger can.

View attachment 490222

Terry

I'm no welder... my consistency SUCKS! I can't even stay on a line. :ashamed:
But I will vouch for acetone. I deal a lot with structural adhesive bonding and acetone is a good friend! And hard to beat it.
Believe it or not, there are proper ways to wipe with solvents too!

 

[Arc weld]

MIG on aluminum is always DC. The soot is because it's dirty. The stainless brush is an important first step in cleaning. There are aluminum cleaners that work well also.

 

[Sodo]

I've been using the Spoolmate100 a bit more. It' works pretty well. One problem I have is the weld start, it takes a little while for the heat to build up and the weld doesn't penetrate. So it kinda seems to me (for the weld quality with the spoolmate) that it's better to start in the middle where the stresses will be low.

You can see that startup lump where it was cold on the inside fillet.

The one outside weld with only 2 legs sucking heat away it looks like the heat built up quicker and penetration is better (than the 3-leg joints).

I preheated other joints to 200F and the spoolmate welded them much better. Even 1/4" thick. Anyway I got my Aluminum projects going with this Spoolmate100 and it's a good tool.

 

[yomax4]

Might try 500 degrees on 1/4. really wets in good. i always turn on acetylene only and soot smoke the weld area. turn on the 02 and heat til the black is gone = 500 degrees. Spoolguns love 500 degrees on AL.