TIG welding Aluminum Settings

There are a lot of settings on some TIG welding machines.

But Do you really need to know how to use all the TIG welding aluminum settings to make a good aluminum weld?

No.  but if you want to get the most out of any tig welding machine, you definitely need to know how to use the settings.

The 2 main settings you need to understand for tig welding aluminum on most modern machines are 

1. AC balance
2. Ac Frequency

What does AC balance do and how do you set it ?

AC balance allows for adjusting the percentage of cleaning action vs penetration. 

Alternating current switches from electrode negative to electrode positive.

The positive side is where the cleaning action comes from.

We don't always need the same level of cleaning action and being able to adjust it is what AC balance is all about.

It stands to reason that you would need more cleaning action on a boat prop than you would on brand new aluminum.

Being able to adjust for less cleaning prolongs the tip of your tungsten.

I have owned tig welders with and without AC balance setting and I prefer to have it.

It used to be that only the high priced TIG welders had settings like AC balance and AC frequency.

Not anymore.

Most TIG welding machines today are inverter design machines and not only have AC balance and AC frequency settings but also waveform settings, offset aka amplitude, and more.

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How do I set AC frequency for TIG welding aluminum?

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AC balace and AC frequency are 2 settings that are pretty much standard equipment on modern TIG welders 

This video gives some practical examples of how to set AC frequency for different situations.

Higher AC frequency settings focus the arc and a frequency of 100-120hz is a great all around setting.

Higher frequency settings are very useful for pinpointing the arc but are only effective if you have adequate amperage to take full advantage.

You will typically need more amperage to achieve the same heat input at a lower ac frequency setting.

If you have a 200 amp tig welder and find yourself needing to weld 1/4" thick aluminum, you might need to use a low frequency setting of 50-60hz in order to make things work.

What about Amplitude and Offset settings for TIG welding aluminum?

Newer more advanced TIG welders like the miller dynasty series have the ability to set details like the amperage of each individual portion of the AC cycle.

Some brands call it amplitude...others use the term offset.

This setting is helpful but requires some trial and error to dial in the optimum settings for your specific application.