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#1
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Welding aluminum.
I'm looking to modify my T-Ram intake. Has anybody tried this with the smaller Migs? Mines a 220V Lincoln Mig-Pack 15. What's needed and how does it weld? Thanks... Eric
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Runner Up Q16 Norwalk 2013! |
#2
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What exactly are you going to do to it?
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#3
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I will be raising the runners and filling in the gaps to smooth it out and polish it. This is an original Wenzler. Also adding Injection bungs and NOS bungs.
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Runner Up Q16 Norwalk 2013! |
#4
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you'd be best off using a tig, but a spool gun on your mig and some straight argon will weld aluminum. It would take some practice before you'll be able to do work worthy of a manifold mod. with a spool gun.
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#5
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In case you do not already know, aluminum has to be clean to weld. If possible put the intake in the oven for a few hours to get all the oil and gas out of it if its been used. Its not a bad idea to do this if its new either. Keep some acetone on hand to clean while your welding, the price is crazy for this now around here because of all the meth makers.
I would tig it. |
#6
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Tig is the way to go.
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/197745168@N07/ "There's nothing more unsatisfying than watching an electric car go down the dragstrip." |
#7
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tig welding
tig is definately the way to go..it will get you the cleanest welds.unless your welder/fabricator i wouldnt attempt to mig weld intake . if it was to be welded with mig you would need a profesional mig welder/ push pull type set up and better be expierenced are you wiil make a mess..
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#8
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Thanks, my buddy's got a Tig. I'll go see him ... Eric.
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Runner Up Q16 Norwalk 2013! |
#9
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The reason the MIG method is not recommended is aluminum welds rely on deep penetration for strength, which is not the that smaller MIG machines design or intent. You could do it, but the results would not be satisfactory...
The TIG method allows greater control of the puddle, resulting in a stonger bead, if you can, route a second source of argon into the area as you go, this extra cooling gas will allow better penetration, cleaner results... |
#10
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What type of filler rod would be used for welding on an aluminum intake? I've tig welded plenty of carbon steel, and some stainless, but never any aluminum.
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#11
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A 6061 or 4043 will work.
Absolutely do not try MIGing that. You'll not be happy w/ the results. BTW, helium would be a better shield if you were to MIG it, but don't. MIG welding cast aluminum is for sh*t.
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SECOND AMENDMENT: AMERICA'S ORIGINAL HOMELAND SECURITY! |
#12
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I agree with everyone else, TIG and make absolutely sure that its clean. ANY oxidation will contaminate the weld. A lot of times there will be a slight bit of oxidation that you dont really notice......its gotta be super clean. Cast aluminum especially needs to be thoroughly cleaned due to the rougher surface. I use an angled die grinder with the 3M discs.
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