dav1936531 wrote:
On Sun, 16 Sep 2007 01:33:57 -0500, Jon Elson
wrote:


I still have to get the hang of aluminum, but I have actually
made a couple servicable, but truly UGLY welds! I need to keep
trying.
Jon


The aluminum base metal must be pefectly cleaned and degreased before
welding, otherwise you will get a mess. Tricloroethylene (sp?) is the
best solvent for cleaning it before welding, but this is pretty nasty
stuff. Avoid skin contact and breathing it.
I've used a new stainless steel wire brush, and it helps a lot.
i have also trued cleaning with denatured alcohol, it didn't
seem to help. I will try acetone, but I think I will skip the
Trichlor! I also have to make up some copper clamp plates to
keep the aluminum from sagging.

Jon