aluminum rods

[tnfarmer67]

I've been weldeing for a few years , the question is on a lincoln ac/dc cracker box i'm tring to weld aluminum ,I get the best arc on dc neg. but I was told that you weld aluminum on ac . the welds on dc neg look ok for my first time but I would like a little help.

[Blacksmith]

What does the rod manufacturer recommend? Most packaging will list the amps and type in the preferred order from best to worst, i.e., 90-110amps DC-, AC, DC+.

[DrIQ]

If you are using the aluminum stick electrodes they run on DCEP (+) only.

[10Speed]

When someone told you that they run on AC, they were probably thinking of TIG welding. The AL rods that I have used in the past were run off of DC like the other responses. Not exactly the best welder for AL but it will stick the two pieces together.

[MAC702]

Ageed. Aluminum SMAW runs DCEP. I've done with 1/8" and 3/32" E4043 electrodes. Made some shelf brackets. But I don't show them off. They are still holding though!

[saumon]

Hi,

first time poster here, great site with tons of info from experienced guys!

I don't want to hijack this thread but i'm interested too by these rods. I also have a 225 AC/DC and i know it's not meant to do "good looking" welds but are they ok for this simple repair i plan to do: redoing a broken skeg (fin) on the foot of an outboard engine (piece is 1/4" thick, cast alum.) with proper preparation (acetone, ss brush)?

Thanks!

[SundownIII]

saumon,

Think you'd be pushing your luck trying to weld a skeg with a stick electrode.

Probably better to go ahead and take it to someone who knows what they're doing and have him tig weld it.

You also have to be very careful not to overheat the seals in the foot of the drive. Doesn't take much heat at all to wipe them out.

Where are you located? May be able to recommend a couple of shops.

[MAC702]

I have a TIG, MIG, and Stick machines, all that CAN do aluminum. I still took my buddy's broken skag to a specialty shop, FWIW.

[saumon]

Thanks for the inputs guys!

I won't push my luck. There's a shop a few miles away specialized in prop repairs, i'll bring it to them.

[tnfarmer67]

the rod are very difficult to see the al do to the way the flux works, its not the best thing to use on speacial projects, i use them at work for small welds