On 3/7/2012 10:40 PM, John B. wrote:

You need a machine that can be accurately controlled to very low
currents. you need filler rod that is about the same thickness as the
can, he used narrow pieces cut from another can. You also need a
really close fitted, or overlapped joint. Grind and polish a very long
taper on the electrode and start the arc on a piece of thicker
aluminum, or copper, then move to the can. He didn't weld the entire
circumference but he did weld a half, three-quarters, of an inch.
enough to prove he could do it.
(I have never tried it myself though :-)

That's impressive. I've never said it can't be done, just that I've
never seen it done nor an example. But the guys that claimed to do it,
said they just butted two cans together, which leaves a deep vee joint
really, and a hell of a lot of surface area relative to metal thickness.


Jon