DCRP on aluminum

[Timinmb]

When would DCRP (electrode positive) be recommended for aluminum? Is the limitation the melting of the electrode?

I was experimenting with DCEP on aluminum using a pure tungsten electrode and watched it ball right up into the cup. I grabbed another electrode, lowered the amps and tried again. It was fascinating to watch the glowing ball above the mirror like molten aluminum, and the puddle solidified into a very pure looking bead (overly wide though). I have a feeling that a darker lens shade is required for this as it was god awful bright.

Just wondering if there is any place for this process, or if thick or thin, I'm better off using AC on aluminum. I'd like to weld 1/16" aluminum of the diamond tread variety. My options are AC (60 hz plus HF) or DCEP.

[TRG-42]

There is not practical application for DCEP welding of aluminum ( there is some applications for DCEN )

If you have a AC/DC TIG there is no reason to use anything other than AC

Problem with DCEP is the following:

1/8 tungsten on balanced AC can handle up to 250 amps

1/8 tungsten on DCEP handles only 50 amps. So in either words, if you need a big honking 1/4 or larger tungsten to do anything worthwhile