In article Kew6c.253034$Hy3.41256@edtnps89, Ryan
wrote:

OK, spent the last two nights reading thru the NG archives, and I just have
a couple of questions left. Trying to do some Aluminum welding (.125 thick
fillet welding 6061)

0.125" aluminum = 125 amps base + 30% for inside fillet weld = 166 amps.


with a Miller Dialarc, which was used mostly for
general steel welding.

There are a lot of machines called Dialarcs.
A more specific description would be needed to evaluate.
As long as it has continuous high freq for AC then yes you can weld
aluminum with it.

If it is DC only then you will have to use a much larger tungsten and
use DCEP.


Here is what I have:
Pure argon bottle, thiorated tungstens, Weldcraft 26V torch, 4 hole
collets...


A 26 torch is a 200 amp air cooled torch.
This can be used to weld AC or DCEP, but being air cooled means it will
heat up pretty quick on aluminum, so plan on letting it cool down.
A small muffin fan with a cradle in front of it can be used to speed
the cooling process.


after some reading here is my shopping list:
3/32 - Zirc or Lanthanated tungstens
5356 & 4043 - 3/32 rod (local welding supply shop recommended)
gas lens collet

A few questions:
Is that torch OK for this type of work?

In theory, yes.

I found an online source that shows a gas lens collet for this torch, but
they list small, medium and large gas lens collet... not sure which one I
would need. I will not be able to call them until next week, so I thought
asking the group here would get me on track sooner.
What sizes of ceramic cups should I have on hand... I only have .500 ID
(which I guess is #8) right now.


3/32" and 1/8" #3 series gas lens collet bodies, and #8 gas lens gas
cups should be fine.

How can I determine what "series" the torch is? Reading alot about Series
2, 3

Yours is a #3 series torch.

and the CK series #4

#4 series parts are a CK invention to allow a smaller torch head.
They ahve he mounting threads of a #3 series, but use #2 series gas
cups.
The only downside to #4 series parts is that you can't use a full 7"
tungsten with them.
Also they are smaller so on an air cooled torch they will heat up
faster than normal #3 series parts.


, and would like to know what this one is.
And finally... Is there a fair priced Welding supply shop preferably in
Canada? Local shop (Air Liquide) wants $83.56 (CDN... - about $60 bucks US)
for a box of ten 3/32 Zirconiated tungstens... I am finding them online for
MUCH cheaper, but would need a bit of lead time, which I have the
flexibility for in this project.

That is all for now... probably have a few more items as this tig newbie
gets going!

Thanks to all for any helpful posts, much appreciated!
ryan



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