1/4" aluminum tig

I just did this on the weekend, funnily enough. I used 100% Argon, 3/32 electrode, maximum power on the dial, foot to the floor except at the end of the joint, 1/8" thick rod, vee'ed the joint and welded both the inside and outside of all joints. I took it slow, welding about 2" at a time since it did get pretty hot. I'm satisfied with my joints. Looking forward to other comments.

Brian

Helium mix would have added a couple of ponies. I hate having to run on max.

Totally agree, however this was the first and probably last time for months that I will weld Al this thick, and a tank of helium was 1.5 hour round trip and $100 minimum for the tank rental away. Argon did just fine, but this is really pushing the edge of what a SQ175 can be asked to do, I think.

Brian

Ralph,

I can't speak as to the whether the welder is up to welding that thick of material, but I can suggest that you pre heat the material prior to welding. O/A torch, MAPP or my personal choice, a small plumbers propane torch used for a few seconds to a minute will help tremendously.

Hope this helps, Jim C Roberts