Aluminum Welding Rods For A Stick Machine?

by Dave Skaggs

I watched the video about welding aluminum; it was very interesting. I tried welding aluminum a couple of times (a very long time ago) and didn't do very well even though I had years of experience with carbon and stainless steel.

Does anybody know if you can get aluminum welding rods for a stick machine? I have a Hobart Stickmate LX AC/DC machine plugged into my garage 220v outlet, and might have an opportunity at some point to work with aluminum...

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Nov 03, 2013
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Bad advice
by: Anonymous

About the only people who give good advice on here is the ones saying not to expect good welds from aluminum rod and actually address that you need to clean before you weld. Stainless wire brush and acetone, you need to clean oxidation and grease.

To those of you who advocate TIG welding as the only way to get decent welds on aluminum, I can tell you're hobby builder or only do custom fabrication, there are very few repair jobs I would do with a TIG welder.

To the guy talking about repairing aluminum wheels, it's against DOT regulations to weld up cracks on aluminum wheels.

But to people giving bad advice online, it keeps me in business, I make more money repairing people's cheap work than if they would just bring me their aluminum to weld in the first place.

And goobering on bird crap welds 2"-3" thick (yes I have literally repaired them that thick) doesn't mean it's going to hold any better. Only good thing with aluminum is when people do that I can take my air chisel and just pop them right off.

Feb 21, 2013
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Weld Aluminum with SMAW Process
by: Anonymous

Welding aluminum with SMAW is done with DCRP not a/c current. Check welding polarity the on weld rod carton before welding with the rod.

Feb 19, 2013
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I want to play to.
by: mike

You have my interest. The next time I go to the welding supply house I am going to get some aluminum rod and play with it. It would come in very handy. Thanks a lot for this post.

Feb 19, 2013
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Plenty of Aluminum Welding
by: Ted Wentz

My first Aluminum stick job was on aluminum irrigation pipe for farms. The pipe was a little thin and the clamps thick. Did the weld with a Lincon 225 amp ac/dc. really old one. AC polarity is what you need to make sure your welding on. I use aluminum stick for anything 3/16" thick or greater. Like an aluminum tire rim someone slammed into a curb. Prep is always the best way to make everything go right. If your good at steel and stainless, you should have no problem with aluminum, as always, practice and control will tell all in the end. Tig is perfect for alot of aluminum welding, and getting gas is not hard for it, Helium, Helium/Argon Mix, or Argon. All though according to all the gas supply companies in town Helium is getting to expensive so they put a hold on it except for those who use in industry. However, unless your just looking to do some fine aluminum welding don't think you only need to use a tig.

Feb 17, 2013
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Thank you
by: Dave Skaggs

Thank you all for your thoughts, comments and guidance! I appreciate your input.

Feb 17, 2013
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welding aluminum
by: Anonymous

tig would be the better option, but if you practice the aluminum stick you can actually get a fairly nice weld.Must be perfectly clean ,new stainless brush will do.Heat up the aluminum first and you will also have to crank your amperage up.Get ready to move quick!

Feb 16, 2013
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Stick Welding Aluminum, wait.
by: Leroy

I would recommend against stick welding Aluminum. If you're a craftsmen and you need to kick your self after words ok. Tig welding is the way to weld aluminum. If you can't get a tig welder add on or free standing unit, use some one who does have one, you won't be sorry.

Feb 15, 2013
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Tig Torch With Gas Shielding
by: mike

I think I would get the ad on for your welder to do tig welding. It is hard to bet a tig torch with gas shielding for aluminum.

Feb 15, 2013
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Aluminum SMAW Rods
by: Anonymous

You can get Aluminum welding rods for SMAW but the welds are not going to look as nice as using other methods. If you just want to stick a couple of pieces together they will work. I wouldn't weld anything too heavy unless you have a good joint design and or until you are proficient using this rod. Removing the flux is another issue as the flux is hard to remove. It's been a long time since I used Aluminum SMAW rods (We had Certanium brand) but depending on the brand and quality of your rod, if you can position the joint for ideal conditions then try to weld in a slight uphill direction. It will help keep the flux from getting under the weld as it can easily flow into your path and cause discontinuities. Make sure to follow the other recommendations from the Rod supplier as well. Good Luck!!!

Feb 15, 2013
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Aluminum welding rods
by: Anonymous

Your local welding supply should have aluminum "stick" SMAW welding rods and should be able to inform you as to their use.

Feb 15, 2013
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Stick rods for aluminium
by: Enock

Yes, they are a bit hard to get but they can be found. Aluminium welding rods are sold usually in packets of two rods per packet from upmarket hardware shops.

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