How to Weld Aluminum With a Torch

Most metals can be welded with a standard 220-volt welder, but some thin metals such as aluminum are more easily welded with a torch. Welding aluminum is done by bronze welding with a torch tip. Bronze welding can be easily learned with practice.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Torch
• Torch welding tip
• Flint striker
• Bronze filler rod
• Protective eyewear
• Gloves

1. Turn on your oxygen and gas (acetylene or propane) tanks. Give the oxygen knob on the torch handle a quarter turn. Give the gas knob on the torch handle a full turn.

2. Strike the flame with a flint striker.

3. Adjust the knobs on the torch handle until the flame tip has a single small blue triangle formed at the torch tip.

4. Begin heating the aluminum pieces you will be welding for several seconds.

5. Place the bronzing filler rod over the seam your are going to weld. Circularly rotate the torch flame approximately a centimeter above the pieces of aluminum and with the bronzing filler rod between the aluminum pieces and the torch tip. Allow the bronze filler to pool on the seam you are welding and slowly move along the seam to weld the pieces together.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective eyewear and gloves.