Reading the Puddle for Full Pen on Aluminum Butt Joints

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I remember way back to when I was in welding school, my instructor was always telling me to “watch the puddle”.
Good advice even if he didn’t explain what I was supposed to be watching.

Watching the puddle is one of the main things that tells you whether you are getting full penetration on an aluminum butt joint.

You want to see the puddle sink a bit in between dabs of filler metal.
This can be subtle but the more your eyes get trained, the more readily you can read the puddle.

What are the things that make the most difference in getting full penetration on aluminum?

Amperage
AC frequency settings
AC balance
Arc length
Torch angle
Chill factor/heat sinks
Fit up and joint prep
Cup size and gas flow rate
Shielding gas
Travel speed
Electrode tip geometry

[gusi]

I am a Delta mechanic learning to weld. I was told by dept 402 to come to this channel and learn from the best welder Delta Airlines has ever had.

[robynnlove]

I passed my TSSA 6G carbon and stainless tests!! Thanks to your Videos! I truly appreciate your channel!! Thanks from Ontario Canada!!🇨🇦

[arustydodge]

The MASTER, honing his craft!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Been watching you from day one, JODY!👍im always humbled!😇
Started welding at 18 in Junior college, it stuck and I never turned back! Now in my 60’s, still going strong, but retired and I pick the jobs. Seldom go mobile, has to be for a buddy, or a much larger amount of cash. Happy just burning in the shop. Small jobs now. Problem is my eyes! Even with the cheater in my Optrel and wearing my coke bottle glasses, I don’t see the puddle the same. Find myself relying on muscle memory and the motions that I’ve used over a lifetime. I’m just not seeing what I used to see. Thank the Lord, that I have YOU to help me out and keep me in check!⭐️🙏⭐️

[chorgzent.]

MISS THE PODCAST. MUCH LOVE TO SUPERIOR, CRUMMEY AND MOST OF ALL WELDMONGER 3X OG AL CIENON NO CAP 💯💢💥🔥

[BCardinal]

It is rare to have such good camera coverage of the BACK SIDE of the welds. Up until this video I really wasn't sure what the reverse side should look like. Thanks Jody.

[weldingtipsandtricks]

Hey, I would really appreciate if you would hit that subscribe button and help me get to 1 million subs

[TinkerKing]

I’ve learned so much from you with both stick and mig. Now on to the big dog tig. I have no doubt you will guide me just as well.

[johnnytv]

Hey there, just wanted to give you a HUGE thanks for all the content you’ve put out for the past 12 years, I’ve take so much away from the skills you’ve learned through your life and displayed in the advice you provide for beginner welders or welders who just want to be kept up to speed. I appreciate everything you have done and continue to do, purchased a Tig finger recently and will be going on to get certified in Mig, Tig Stainless and aluminum. Thank you and God bless!!

[jeffsmith]

Good for you for continuing to pass on the trade too a new generation of welders.

[madcapmagician]

as always great presentation of information we all need to be refreshed on time to time.

[olddawgdreaming]

Thanks for sharing Jody. Great job welding the aluminum. It was interesting and entertaining too. Stay safe and keep up the good work. Fred.

[codys_fab]

Another one Jody! Lots of good information can be taken away from this video. I even saw the review I made, which still holds true to this day! Keep up the good work! 💪

[idriwzrd]

Your videos are the best, Jody. I don't know how many times I've added just enough filler to stick the puddle to the tungsten.

[louismartel]

just want to thank you Jody....you basically learn me how to tig weld alu lately my boss buy a tig so i had to learn fast and thats what i do practicing by day watchin you by night...it takes me 2 months ....im not an artist of the tig loll but i know what i do...lol rest is just practicing

[kamj]

I've been watching these videos since the first time I lit up a rod over 10 years ago. You never miss! Getting my aluminum skills up to par so I can start my own specialized repair and fabrication business, mostly aluminum stuff. This is just what I needed before running a few practice coupons.

[grantloucks]

Great videos! You are very easy to listen to very concise in your instructions and your camera angles and close-ups are terrific. Thank you.

[carlsdart]

Just started night welding school & tig is coming up next month. Excited to try & learn. Thanks for the videos!

[rexsr]

I think I learned a lot in this video. Thank you very much! As soon as I can go back to the shop I will make sure to watch my puddle more and let it sink. The AC buzzing always makes me rush my aluminum welds 😅

[jimkillen]

Nice job. When I was a kid going to trade school I got a job working for a company repairing semi trailers at night . That's where I got a chance to learn how yo tig aluminum. That was a long time ago . I appreciate your videos

[rumsin]

Excellent video! Always learning on your channel, Jody. Thank you