Tig welding tips, questions, equipment, applications, instructions, techniques, tig welding machines, troubleshooting tig welding process
Ultralow787
  • Posts:
  • Joined:
    Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:30 pm
  • Location:
    Ontario, Canada

Is it possible? I realize AC is preferred and recommended, but if AC is not available, can you use DCEN? If so, would you still want a balled tungsten?
Our Lincoln V350 Pro machines do not have AC capability, but I would like to practice on aluminum plates.

Thanks
Perfection is impossible, but if you strive for perfection, excellence is obtainable!

1983 Canox "Sparkler" 225 AC Stick Welder
Hobart 210 MVP MIG Welder
Harris "Spitfire" Oxy-Acetylene Set
turbo388
  • Posts:
  • Joined:
    Sat Jan 15, 2011 4:37 pm

Try it and see what happens. LOL

It just melts a giant wad of aluminum, hidden underneath a big bubble of oxide and it's impossible to work with with the oxide present. That's what the AC is for, prevents the oxide from covering the puddle.
User avatar
  • Posts:
  • Joined:
    Fri Feb 12, 2010 10:48 am
  • Location:
    YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO

You can tig weld aluminum on a dcen polarity, but you can only do it on very thick aluminum that has been cleaned very very, and I mean very good. Also, you will need to use an argon/helium mix shielding gas and a BIG tungsten for the high current. It may be good to just mess around with, but it is not recommended. Have fun :D
Jim
Pipefitter/Weldor out of Local 396
Millermatic 252
Dynasty 200DX
Maxstar 150 STL
Spoolmate 100
Hypertherm Powermax 85
Miller Digital Elite
JD2 Model 32 Bender
Emerson 7120 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
Oxy-Gas Torch outfit
Generac XP8000E Generator
Ultralow787
  • Posts:
  • Joined:
    Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:30 pm
  • Location:
    Ontario, Canada

Thanks guys! Not the answer I was hoping for......but I'm sure you are right. I guess using an old AC buzzbox won't work either? Assuming i could rig up the torch and gas supply for the argon?
Perfection is impossible, but if you strive for perfection, excellence is obtainable!

1983 Canox "Sparkler" 225 AC Stick Welder
Hobart 210 MVP MIG Welder
Harris "Spitfire" Oxy-Acetylene Set
User avatar
  • Posts:
  • Joined:
    Fri Feb 12, 2010 10:48 am
  • Location:
    YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO

You would need some kind of high frequency arc starter/stabilizer with the AC.
Jim
Pipefitter/Weldor out of Local 396
Millermatic 252
Dynasty 200DX
Maxstar 150 STL
Spoolmate 100
Hypertherm Powermax 85
Miller Digital Elite
JD2 Model 32 Bender
Emerson 7120 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
Oxy-Gas Torch outfit
Generac XP8000E Generator
Ultralow787
  • Posts:
  • Joined:
    Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:30 pm
  • Location:
    Ontario, Canada

Thanks Jim,
I thought that was the case, but hoped for something different! LOL
Perfection is impossible, but if you strive for perfection, excellence is obtainable!

1983 Canox "Sparkler" 225 AC Stick Welder
Hobart 210 MVP MIG Welder
Harris "Spitfire" Oxy-Acetylene Set
Post Reply