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That's a real purdy weld on that switch mount, calum!

Thanks TIG welding steel is probably the easiest type of welding though...

I can MIG weld okay... but TIG requires three limbs at the same time.  I am lucky if I can walk and chew gum at the same time!  I never have taken the time to learn TIG welding.

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I can MIG weld okay... but TIG requires three limbs at the same time.  I am lucky if I can walk and chew gum at the same time!  I never have taken the time to learn TIG welding.

I would like to learn but again it's a significant investment in more equipment 

That's true, but I didn't have anything over here so just went straight for a TIG setup with hopes of welding aluminium... Still working on that 

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That's true, but I didn't have anything over here so just went straight for a TIG setup with hopes of welding aluminium... Still working on that 

I've had my Mig for around 25 years so maybe when my wallet has recovered from this build it's something to look at 

Worth the investment - just make sure you get a decent foot pedal, mine's pretty crappy and makes welding aluminium a lot harder than it should be.

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Worth the investment - just make sure you get a decent foot pedal, mine's pretty crappy and makes welding aluminium a lot harder than it should be.

Could you find a replacement pedal (reasonably priced) or with your talent -fix or fabricate a new one?
 

When it comes to welding aluminum, you cannot get the substrate clean enough.  Clean the bejesus out all surfaces, and clean your filler rods as well.  Once you get everything clean, clean it all again.  After certifying four of my welders for aerospace welding this was one of the most important things I gleaned from the process.  Yes, I know the process well, I just can't do it myself.  My shop was welding on Patriot missile parts for Raytheon back in my working days.  Man, that took a ton of paperwork and physical testing of weld samples.

Bit late replying...
I could get a decent pedal but would need to rewire it. Not that hard but I have been putting it off. I have a torch with a dial to control the amps and have been meaning to see if I can get used to controlling things that way.
I guess I'll have to sit down for a weekend with a pile of aluminium and see how I go. 
Going to try and get the other build running by the end of January and then I'll get back to this one.

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When it comes to welding aluminum, you cannot get the substrate clean enough.  Clean the bejesus out all surfaces, and clean your filler rods as well.  Once you get everything clean, clean it all again.  After certifying four of my welders for aerospace welding this was one of the most important things I gleaned from the process.  Yes, I know the process well, I just can't do it myself.  My shop was welding on Patriot missile parts for Raytheon back in my working days.  Man, that took a ton of paperwork and physical testing of weld samples.

funny how you have to go to so much trouble welding a missile just so it can get blown to smithereens ! 

The military has a funny reaction to weld failures before their missiles hit what they want them to.  Since it makes them not hit what they wanted them to.