How to Weld Aluminum With a Gas Welder
Electric arc welding using an externally supplied inert shielding gas is a process known as metal inert gas (MIG) welding. This welding method uses a metal wire electrode to conduct electricity into metal plates to create a spark hot enough to melt aluminum. To MIG weld aluminum you need to use an aluminum wire to serve as both an electrode and filler material. However, as aluminum wire is softer than steel or copper it poses unique problems when welding.
Things You'll Need
- MIG welding machine
- Aluminum MIG wire
- Tank of argon shielding gas
- Aluminum sheet metal
- Clamps
- Wire brush
Instructions
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1
Load a spool of aluminum MIG wire into a MIG welding machine according to the manufacturer's directions.
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2
Attach a tank of argon gas to your MIG welding machine's gas hose by screwing the hose coupling onto the tank's air regulator.
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3
Brush the edges of the aluminum metal with a wire brush in order to remove any corrosion and dirt.
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4
Clamp the sheets of aluminum metal together in the configuration that you will weld them. The clamps will prevent the sheet metal from shifting during the welding process.
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5
Hold the MIG torch 1/8 inch from the aluminum plates at a 10 degree angle with the tip of the torch facing away from the direction of travel. This "push" method of welding exposes the aluminum to heat for a greater period of time in order to melt and fuse the metal.
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6
Move the welding torch in a circular pattern to aid in mixing the liquid metal together as you move the torch along the welding seam.
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7
Hold the torch at the end of the welding seam for an additional few seconds to create a pool of liquid metal to fill in the edge of the plates.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a teflon liner in a shorter welding cable when welding aluminum. This will reduce the resistance on the MIG wire and help prevent the aluminum wire from bending.
Wear a welder's mask and gloves while welding.
Always weld in a well ventilated area.
Do not weld near flammable materials.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
