Well I finally had my head in the right space I thought to pick up the torch and try some O/A welding of aluminium.
Fluxed the top side of the join with the flux mixed to a thin paste with Isopropyl Alcohol. Tacked the coupons together just with the torch, cleaned and tapped flat on the stump.
Re-cleaned everything and re fluxed (just the top surface of the join). Obviously some tension in the panel, as the start of the weld began to crack behind me - and perhaps not enough pre-heat as with tig cracking. Possible issue also with starting the weld in front of the first tack.
Material is 1.6mm 5005 and filler rod is a sliver cut from the edge of the sheet.
Got it sort of welded together, but very inconsistent penetration on the back of the weld. Did all crush just about flat in the Wheel.
What I'm not really seeing though is an actual puddle, or much if any 'flare' from the flux. It's more a sagging of the surface.
From what I've seen in a couple of videos by the experts, the flux seems very much more fluid when heated. Should I be seeing something more in terms of the flux?
At this stage to have a play, I've just grabbed locally available flux from one of the major welding suppliers.
Appreciate any guidance. Thanks.
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