First passes on heavy aluminum plate

[Ngray]

I thought I'd post these up here as my newbie experience going after 5/8 plate for the first time. This is more of an experiment for some other hobby work I'm doing. I know the penetration wasn't good, but I was quite pleased with how the welder kept up.

Had real issues with my tungsten burning up (not contaminating) until I set my balance to 7, then the tungsten was fine.

Used a synchrowave 250 at 310 A to start, tapering down as my piece warmed up. 1/8 Tungsten, 1/8 Rod. 6061 alum and 4043 filler.

Note the color on the vice I was welding in won't do that again. On the upside I now have 'soft jaws'

 

[Axis]

If you want penetration on that thick of a piece, you have to bevel the plates and you'll be running a lot of passes. You also want to run an argon/helium mix to "generate" extra heat for anything over 1/2 inch.

That thick and I'd really suggest using mig, with beveled plates. You'll still do a few passes, but it will be done faster.

 

[markknx]

Axis, ys I agree mig or even stick if you don;t have mig. the TIG machine should be able to run stick. NGREY, for more pen. try a bigger tungsten and drop the balance. also use less filler per pass. another thing that can be done is preheat.
Mark

 

[Ngray]

Agreed, pen was bad but not critical for this, as I'm only making a paperweight
If I needed pen, I wholeheartedly agree with the advice though... My approach would be irresponsible for something structural.

 

[GarageGuy]

Axis is spot on in his assessment. Much easier and more practical to learn on smaller material, though. That's more likely what you'll run in to on a regular basis.

GG