TIG welding is as much an art as it is science. Putting two pieces of metal together via TIG or MIG welding is not that difficult with some practice, but welding with precision and consideration for cosmetics definitely takes some skill. Luckily, most of that skill can come with practice. Sure it might take a lot of practice, but that practice will pay dividends when you finish up a weld that is so clean you are disappointed that you’ll be hiding it somewhere in your project. Another way to make sure you get good at welding sooner rather than later is to listen to the experts, or at least someone that is better at it than you.
In this video you’ll see how to put together a small tank, made of 1/8th inch 5052 aluminum, a material commonly used for fuel tanks and the like. So watch the video and learn a few things and then get out there and start welding on your own.
Nice video in that the guy is simply very competent at what he’s doing there. A no-b.s. great example.
Some comments: Considering that OEM stamped steel tanks use around 1/32″ material, 1/8″ aluminum is pretty heavy stuff. A good design should be able to use .080 and save ten pounds (although weld warpage control gets tougher), and wherever you can make a bend instead of a weld you’ll get a better part. Internal baffling can also add strength. Also, buy a penetrant test kit and check every weld when the tank’s done and you have internal access, and find out how good of a welder you are. You don’t want a chance of gaps or pinholes in a fuel tank.
Buying a TIG welder is high on my list. It’s been nearly 6 years since I’ve TIG welded. Talked to a few people fearing I have lost my touch, they say if you got it you got it.
i m 4 year experienced welder and i always look for best tig welding blogs and what do you want to recommend the best tig welding machine for the beginner