Welding Tips and Tricks

When TIG welding aluminum, or just welding in general, should there be a slight gap between the two pieces?

I have heard that you want a very slight gap for the metal to flow into, but I read somewhere else that the pieces should be flush. What is the correct answer?

Welcome RT.

Gap, no, but for good penetration (depending on factors including thickness of the material being welded) a bevel can help penetration.


Kym

There is no ONE correct answer. Just different processes and different acceptable parameters/specifications for the weld procedures. If you are doing hobby welding, you NEED to practice and cut up your practice pieces and etch them to see if YOU get acceptable fusion for your tastes. Naval Jelly rust remover can etch steel and EZ-Off oven cleaner can etch aluminum (if you smooth out the cut lines from the portions you slice up). Try it. It's a great learning experience.

Check out the recent vids Jamie posted under distortion. Both will answer a lot of questions.

Poland308 wrote:Check out the recent vids Jamie posted under distortion. Both will answer a lot of questions.

Do you mean, "Jody?"

You said "Jamie," and I have no idea who that is.

Steve S

I tried to PM him to clear the whole name thing up, as he's referred to him as Jamie on other occasions but he still didn't get it. So I'll try the method that works best with my children, I'll raise my voice, which by the way doesn't happen often.

HIS F-ING NAME IS JODY, GOT IT.

Len

Auto correct I got a friend Jamie and it auto corrected when I went to type Jody. I didn't catch it. My bad. Sorry.

hahahahah. Sorry, I couldn't help it.

Most times there's nothing wrong with a small, controlled gap in your fitup. Especially when you are looking for a full penetration.