TIG Weld Aluminum with DC and 100% Argon?

I decided to make a short video showing how TIG welding aluminum goes when you use DC and 100% argon shielding gas. I also compare and contrast the results when using AC.

Link to a follow-up video:

As requested by several viewers, I have set up a Patreon account. Any support is appreciated, but absolutely not required.

[michaeldvorak]

When GTAW was first developed for aluminum, it was called heliarc welding. Used extensively in the 1940s and the 1950s, it required DCEN and pure helium shielding gas. In the GTAW process, the electrode negative (EN) current provides maximum penetration, which is highly desirable. Then people realized that there were advantages to using AC for aluminum GTAW.

[borashid]

I enjoyed this work. With an explanation of the differences and comparison between alternating current and direct current, each on an aluminum plate.. Your explanation of this device is very beautiful and your style was educated and well-experienced.. I thank you for what you presented and forward, my friend.

[pabloricardodetarragon]

I have successfully welded aluminium with TIG DC and pure argon, but with 2 very big differences; the aluminium was preheated to 130 degrees Celsius and fluoride flux for gas welding aluminium was used. Sticks MMA for alu can be used also, it has the good flux and these sticks can be found easily.
That does not replace a good AC/DC, but helps a lot for an occasional weld on aluminium to fix something fast.

[jondavidmcnabb]

If you want to do a very interesting video that will amaze people do the following. Go grab a package of Hobart or Blue Demon Aluminum Arc Welding rods. Then do this same exact video using those flux covered rods with the DC TIG. It will amaze you and is an incredible field hack. Also if you pre-paint the area with a flux it will help.

[comeradecoyote]

Your video is a lot more clear and concise than most on this subject, so thank you very much.

[MFEeee]

Great answer for the skeptics. Great answer for the experts. Perfect video

[lnchgj]

I don't think I've ever heard this topic put so brilliantly, thanks.

[drcoolautofix]

So in a nutshell, Ac Tig is the best suited for aluminum and iron, this holy grail of information thanks🎉

[glutenfreebeerbrian]

I love how you explain WHY and how the different gases affect the temperatures etc… THANK YOU!!!

[zerolabs]

I'm strictly an amateur welder, shopping now for my 1st TIG welder to replace my cheap HF flux core machine, with the intent of welding steel and/or aluminum. This was *by far* the most detailed and concise explanation of exactly why I will want something that provides AC and DC. Thank you so much for this demonstration!

[main-maing]

Oh yea. Very nice. This answered my questions, no wonder I was not able to weld with my tig dc welder and argon 🙏👏

[willhansen]

Thank you for your excellent presentation on argon & helium DC Tig on aluminum. Also a good explanation in the comments section on spray transfer using a DC mig spool gun to aluminum

[Robertus]

You can TIG with DC but you need your tip or the tungsten to be + and it will weld as good as the welds he is doing here.
Be careful with the amps as you will go threw your tungsten rod pretty fast but you can get the job done ..

[nathenperri]

Cool video, and thanks for answering my question! I completely understand why AC or helium is needed now.

[wesswanson]

Awesome video thanks! Straight to the point and great camera angles and welding clips!

[robinbourbeau]

Amazing explanation with real world examples, thank you!

[the_mellnator]

Very good video. Thoroughly explained. I love the way you compared the two!

[henrye]

Thank you, Now need a video on the cheapest AC Tig welder than can weld aluminum..

[hardergamer]

I have had amazing results welding alu with DC TIG, and without using any gas at all! (for the welder) But it was costly, but soon it will be much much cheaper with Musk's Starship, the main problem was getting to the Moon and back.

[vgnfab]

I woke up today with this question. Thanks for answering my question so nicely!