New To TIG welding

>>> First Post Here
>>>
>>> I am new to welding but I have a project that I would like to do in
>>> the spring. which is to build myself a motorcycle trailer. I
>>> originally started out with the notion of doing it entirely with my
>>> MillerMatic 180 with autoset. The trailer will be made out of
>>> aluminum. I have been researching construction methods etc... Does
>>> anyone here know of a good spot to find out the correct joining
>>> methodology for aluminum? Or any good aluminum trailer plans?
>>>
>>> Also, I have been taking classes and have really been liking the TIG
>>> machine. So much that I got one off the internet. It is one of the
>>> Chineese jobs with 250 Amp AC/DC/Pulse TIG, 250 Amp stick and 55 amp
>>> plasma cutter for around $1200. If anyone is interested, I'll give a
>>> blow by blow account of how it works, bearing in mind that I am
>>> pretty new to this. I will have about 80 hours in class time by this
>>> november - I am taking 4 nights a week - and am slated for the 40
>>> hour Lincoln electric school this January.

>> More than the welding technology, you need to look
>> carefully into strength of materials and fatigue
>> considerations. Lightly loaded steel structures
>> do not experience fatigue, but all aluminum
>> structures undergo fatigue. With the vibration
>> and occasional punishing bumps a trailer gets, you
>> have to take this into account.
>> You also need to pay careful attention to welding
>> technology (mostly the filler metal) so as to
>> avoid cracking.
>>
>> TIG is a good technology for welding aluminum, I
>> don't know MIG, but have heard horror stories of
>> visually beautiful MIG welds with no strength.
>> That is supposed to be less likely with TIG. You
>> can tell whether you got penetration into the
>> parent metal or not.
>>
>> Jon

>
> Well, I am learning learning learning, I must say that I am having a
> great time with this. It took me almost 6 hours before I got my first
> good stick weld. It took me another 6 hours to get my Oxy stuff where
> I could use it on thin and thick metals. I think that with TIG, that
> the learning will go forever until I can get some good welds. I am
> only weldig aluminum. Took me 12 hours to get some good welds on thick
> to thin materials. Like learning to ride my Harley, sometimes it takes
> a bit to catch up with where you were yesterday and get onto where you
> want to be tomorrow.
>
> I like the process and the control that I can get with TIG. The only
> problem that I have is that I need a ton more of practice. Seems like
> I start off crappy at the start of each evening and about an hour
> towards the end I get into the goove and it seems as if I can weld
> anything together.
>
> Anyhow, for those who are interested, the saga of the Chineese
> knockoff will start this tuesday when it is delivered. I will be
> setting it up and taking pictures for those who are interested. Moer
> to follow....
>