Tig welding aluminum on DC

[sdkubota]

The issue I found when first learning to weld aluminum is trying to see the molten puddle. Aluminum just gets a little shiny when molten. It took awhile to recognize that and get used to it.

 

[Shield Arc]

I tired this several years ago with my Dynasty 300, I can't remember if I used high frequency start or not, I'm pretty sure I did. But I remember there was a very, very, very small widow where the arc would start!:confused3: With both of these machines it was easy as pie to start the arc.:thumbsup:
This is the weld I made with the Dynasty on DCEN with 100% helium.

 

[deereman75]

That looks great! Have you tried this with the 330a/bp?

 

[Shield Arc]

I sold the 330 last summer.

 

[deereman75]

Did you find you had no use for it with all those inverters? How good at stick welding was it? I might consider one when I set up my own shop in a few years, if it stick welds well.

 

[Shield Arc]

It had problems with high frequency capacitors, and I wasn't going to put another dime in it. I'd say it was one of the best welders I ever used with 7018. Below average with 6010.
In this picture the blue arrows are pointing to the capacitors, and the red arrows are pointing to the leaks.