amps req. for .095 aluminum

[backhoe]

Thanks for all the replies on micro 185. I think I'm about ready to buy the green machine, just one question,is the lowest setting of 20 amps a/c ok for .095 alu? Never tigged but I quess it would have to be better than my Miller spool gun. I mean some of the old flat bottom boat's I patch up have gotten really thin and even with a backing plate it's tough, that's why I'm looking at a tig machine and want my money to be well spent. thank's to all and have a blessed day in the LORD!

[DaveO]

Hey, Backhoe-
I'm not a TIG welder yet, but while we're waiting for the guys with TIG experience to respond I'll summarize what I've read and learned on this forum:
~ TIG is an art as much as a science, so it usually requires a lot of practice
~ Consider learning on steel and moving on to aluminum
~ Aluminum boats typically require a lot of pre-cleaning because they are heavily oxidized. You're probably used to this since you've welded it before.

I looked at the Everlast TIG calculator and didn't see a .095" option in the dropdown... but guys on this forum are welding soda cans together so I know it can be done.

[steveprichar]

Although I'm a newbie too, the guys around here say 1 amp per thousands of material to be welded. So your .095" aluminum would require roughly 95 amps. The thickness of a coke can, as I am now trying to tig weld with my 250EX, is about 25 amps using the foot pedal. I'm going to cut open a can today and check the thickness and see how well their 1 per 1 works. And oh yeah, Amen, my brother!

[bobkat]

I think you will need a little more than 20 amps for alum. Hey i really think you should take a hard look at 200dx, for the diff in money, It is good to have a little more than not enough. I liked the 200dx for my use, was happy with it so bought a pp50 plasma , got it last night and going to wring it out tomorrow

[scootarida1]

Although I'm a newbie too, the guys around here say 1 amp per thousands of material to be welded. So your .095" aluminum would require roughly 95 amps.

I agree with this statement. This gets you into the ballpark and then you can fine tune the adjustments from there.