Padding beads on aluminum is a great way to get better at tig welding.
Its the same skill used in build up on worn or mis-machined parts.
If you practice this drill, I promise that you tig welding skills will improve for all metals.
A #5 standard cup works well for this drill but a clear #8 pro cup lets me see better.
METAL TYPE = ALUMINUM 6061
THICKNESS = 1/4 INCH
WELD TYPE = BUILD UP SURFACING
JOINT TYPE = BUILD UP
POSITION = FLAT
AMPERAGE =200 AMPS CONTROLLED WITH FOOT PEDAL
TUNGSTEN = 2% LANTHANATED, 3/32"
FILLER WIRE = 3/32” 4043
POLARITY = AC
GAS FLOW = 20 CFH argon
CUP SIZE = 8 GAS LENS
ADDITIONAL SETTINGS = AC BALANCE 33% CLEANING, AC FREQ 50HZ
PRE FLOW = 1 SEC
POST FLOW = 10 SEC
TIPS: KEEP A FAIRLY TIGHT ARC AND WATCH TORCH ANGLE
Aim for an arc length that is equal or less than the diameter of your tungsten electrode.Torch angle can be forgiving provided your arc length is tight.