Welding Aluminum

I was told years ago by an old man you can "Effectively" weld aluminum with a DC arc welder. Never seen him do it.
Since then I have been told by several folks including all the welding supply houses, that it can not "Effectively"
be done. That say "it just don't work very well."

I have been swapping these trolling motors around the last week or so, having to build brackets and what not...
So I go buy some of these aluminum rods.
All I can say is I am VERY impressed with the rods. It took a little time getting it to look good but listen here folks,
I was in my driveway, in the wind and the rain, welding my aluminum boat.
If someone tells you that it dose not work very good... Let me have a chat with them!

I'll back Joe up, I saw his mount that held welded on the front of his boat and it was as solid as a rock.

I always use a high frequency welder on gas when welding aluminum. Welding aluminum is tricky period regardless of the technique used. Clean clean clean. Stick rod stainless can be tuff too. Also must be cleaned really well.

Joe,
I am not saying it can't be done, but even though your weld may look "pretty" only time will tell if it is a solid weld, I hope so. Weld a piece of scrap and do a bend test for strength.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Roughneck

Joe,
I am not saying it can't be done, but even though your weld may look "pretty" only time will tell if it is a solid weld, I hope so. Weld a piece of scrap and do a bend test for strength.

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When I didn't like that new trolling motor I had to remove the new bracket and install a new one.
I had to take an air hammer with a chisel and cut the weld.
Very good penetration.

I'm not saying anyone can pick up a DC arc welder and weld aluminum.
I have welded aluminum for years with a spool gun. " I worked for a trucking company with a fleet of aluminum flatbeds"
What I am saying is a DC arc welder with aluminum rods is capable of producing high quality welds.

Of course you can weld aluminum with an arc welder. Just got to know what youre doing. The average "weekend warrior" is not gonna be able to use those rods with good success though.