Which welder to buy, for a beginner ?

[Thepaetsguy]

Ok probably a stupid question but can I make a kiln melt down an aluminum Briggs piston and mold the aluminum into sticks for a stick welder? Would I need some lp gas to heat the aluminum block I’m trying to weld to? or is it just not feasible?

 

[Minimichael]

No?

 

[Oldsalt]

No?

Ok probably a stupid question but can I make a kiln melt down an aluminum Briggs piston and mold the aluminum into sticks for a stick welder? Would I need some lp gas to heat the aluminum block I’m trying to weld to? or is it just not feasible? View attachment 328519

Aluminum pistons are a special alloy. Melting them down to cast anything will be a challenge....heck... aluminum even in a more 'pure' condition is a hassle in comparison to cast iron [its just really hard to get up to temperature to pour it but it flows ilke water when liquid]. The aluminum arc welding rod from the welding supply store is coated with flux. BUT can ONLY be make to work IF you have a DC arc welder. A 'regular' 220V. input AC [alternating current] arc welder produces an AC output a will only drive you to drinking and cussing if you attempt it. Heliarc that aluminum case if you know some one that has one. I have a DC arc welder......it took years of waiting before I found one that was single phase power and within my budget. Welds aluminum nicely IF the large casting [or whatever] if properly cleaned and prepared and warmed up before attempting to stick the rod to it. Also: A DC arc welder will weld cast iron [AC won't] using what is commonly known as "NiRod" [it has a high nickle content]. Reason #2 to keep you eyes open for a DC stick welder!