Welding Tips and Tricks

I would like to introduce myself. I have been welding since I was 16. I stick mig and have recently decided I want to tig well. Aluminum is my primary material I will be welding with the tig because I have been doing modifications to aluminum boats and have had a friend helping with the parts I needed tig welded. He feels I can do it myself so I bought a Lincoln 200 square wave machine and supplies. Any help in learning this new type of fabrication is appreciated. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this great community !

Welcome!

Welcome from Chesterfield! I'd say MIG as a process on ally boats is probably more efficient. TIG for specialty stuff. Give a holler if you need a hand, I'm always up for a drive to Aylett

Thanks I used to live in Chesterfield. I am in the process of making a 1/4” transom olate to help strengthen my motor pod. Really want to tig it because it’s a big piece and want it to look factory . I just hooked the spool gun up to my Lincoln 180 but have yet to use it . Need to practice tig for livewells and rails . Also custom brackets . Need help on the basics coordination probably .

Say the word, I've done a few of those.

Your Lincoln SW200 will be stretched to weld 1/4" aluminum. A good preheat of the plate will help. AC Balance around 70-72%, Freq at 60Hz, and amps at FULL KILL. Use the pedal to taper off once you establish the puddle. I prefer to use 5356 filler, 1/8" for that type of work.

Another trick, is to get a bottle of 75% Argon, 25% Helium. The helium adds a lot of heat without requiring extra amps. The helium is a more efficient arc. Don't confuse this with 75/25 MIG gas though. You can use the helium mix with your spool gun too.