Learning how to TIG weld Aluminum made easy

[@jimmccarville5152]

Great information sir! I've been an aeronautical/aerospace welder for nearly 30 years and you really explained it very nicely and easy enough for anyone that want to become an at home/small shop tig welder a good beginning. I'll have to look at some more of your videos. Some of my friends have asked if there are any good basic tig welding videos and I've found one for sure, this one!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thank you Jim! I really appreciate your comment. When I started researching Aluminum and steel TIG welding years ago, I read books and watched a lot of videos. All the videos seemed to be missing important steps or the videos would only give you some info and you would need to take a class or watch a full series of videos before you get enough info to begin practicing. I wanted to cover the full range of the basics so people can get a good understanding of the process and start practicing. Take care 😊👍

[@jimmccarville5152]

@@Mikefestiva practice, practice, & practice some more, is what I use to tell all my workers. 22 years in the Navy and many welding schools With certifications in (GTAW, GMAW, SMAW, PLAZMA ARC WELDING, & Oxy-Acct Welding/Brazing) and through it all I only had one instructor (civilian) that made it as simplistic as you've made it the rest (also civilians) were just there to take up space, lol. Showing prospective welders about Aluminum is extremely important as it flows much different than mild steel but is very similar to Titanium, with an attitude, lol. Anyway sir your instructions were very good and most should be able follow everything you said without a problem but you know as well as most that no matter how much instruction you give there are those that just don't get it and more than likely don't have the aptitude to even strike an arc. Thanks for helping out the ones that do!

[@FrancisoDoncona]

Two key points to start understanding aluminum welding as compared to mild steel is aluminum’s surface creates an oxide almost immediately. This aluminum oxide has a higher melting point than the core aluminum so the core metal is watery in action and the fact that aluminum doesn’t turn red when melted as mild steel does but gets shiny like mercury.

[@GodBoredWas]

I have watch a lot of videos on Aluminum welding trying to get my Hitbox200P to work properly. I had no issues getting it to work with steel, but Aluminum was so frustrating. This is the first video I came across that went through the basic settings and I can't thank you enough. I set my machine to your basic settings and I can now, finally, weld Aluminum. Thank you, again.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! I’m glad my video helped 😊👍

[@GodBoredWas]

@@Mikefestiva I do have a question regarding an issue I'm having. You have absolutely no obligation to respond. I am welding 1/8" aluminum and there is no puddle forming. The aluminum just slumps, so it is melting, just not forming a puddle on the surface. I'm using 100% Argon, and sand/clean the work area. In test areas on the piece, I am able to walk the puddle along the metal, but in the joint, the aluminum just heats up too much and falls instead of providing a puddle for me to work with. Any suggestions as to what might be causing this? I am trying to fix a crack on an aluminum "truck bed rail". Its currently still on the truck, so I'm welding at 90deg to the ground. Again, I am asking for free advice here so its totally up to you (or anyone else reading this) if you respond. I will harbour no ill will if I don't hear from you :)

[@GodBoredWas]

@@Mikefestiva Update... This is an IO error. I have been (in error) interpreting my gauge as a PSI gauge, rather than a CFH gauge (as the gauge clearly states after reading the effing dial). I was providing too little gas. I have turned up the flow to 35 CFH rather than the 20PSI (or equivalent 18 CFH). I still thank you for your video, keep it up.

[@dominikkozela9763]

Ive just watched about 10 videos on tig welding aluminium and this was the best one. No BS, no repetitiveness, most informative, no excessive adverts. Thank you

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! I’m glad my video was helpful 😊👍

[@PaulVranaIII]

I've been stick and mig welding for 50 years, but never tig welded I found your video very informative. And will refer to it when I finally. Thanks for the info start tig welding

[@stephenmiller7926]

I am old hobbyist taking a class at our local trade school and just learning TIG. Your two videos provided a perfect overview of TIG - everything a beginner would need to know, without taking 3-4 hours to explain it. Thanks so much!

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on 👍 I’m happy my videos have been helpful for you 😊 I wanted to try and make the videos I wish I could have found when I was first learning how to TIG welding.

[@TinkerKing209]

Dude this video is so informational. I feel bad for those that haven’t seen it and are learning. I just got the pro tig 205. I was completely lost before this video. Love it man. Thank you!❤

[@ronmurphy9819]

I watch your videos over and over and still get something out of them every time. Thanks

[@Mikefestiva]

Glad you like them!

[@brianrogers7643]

Great information Mike. I have welded better when I first got my TIG welder. I went back to it after about 6 months and can't weld worth beans. I just can't see the puddle so i'm burning holes in my material or just not getting enough heat then the aluminum falls through. After watching your video i''m ready to try again, thanks.

[@joneidbo]

subscribed. you covered every element from cover gas, safety - respirators, every essential point. thank you.

[@clarenceward2617]

I've been doing mechanics and bad welding for long time mainly hard facing equipment and I started working with a friend of mine and now I'm really into welding just bought a Vulcan 220 with tig set up and you made it very easy to understand thank you I still need to get my bottles but that's another day thanks sean

[@mistermac4118]

Excellent and informative post. I’m self taught and been sticking things together for 30 year all thru trial and error. I recently picked up a new inverter machine and had no clue on half the set up settings. You did an excellent job at explaining things, thank you very much. Welding sure has become more scientific compared to my old machine. Cheers, happy welds!

[@Liazon098]

You had a good rhythm with explaining these things.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man I really appreciate it 😊👍

[@ivan77r]

Thank you Mike. I recently started welding, about two months ago and you are big inspiration. I find your detailed explanations very important and very useful. Thanks again.

[@jameswilliams-tn2sf]

thank you for the info. am thinking about buying a tig machine and your video has answer a lot of questions , i had about it Once again thanks

[@DukePatientFlow]

I really appreciate the content. It's clear, concise and approachable - just what I was looking for! Thanks Mike!

[@Mikefestiva]

Glad it was helpful! 😊👍

[@birch8005]

Great video! Easy to follow and understand.😀 So exciting to see mini pinzgauer and mini bike videos in the future.😁 Hope you have good weather.

[@EmmaAxtell-gh2fk]

best welding youtuber I've found yet

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 😊 I really appreciate that! 👍

[@rogerneumann8105]

Great job Mike! Really nice presentation and break-down on tig welding. Keep it up. This was one of the best 'all in one' videos for welding aluminum.

[@Shadow6a]

I learn a ton from Mike! Wish he was closer to my part of NC.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! I’m glad this video helped, I wanted to make both of these TIG videos to help others by making videos that gave people a good understanding of the process. I just couldn’t find any videos that really covered everything needed to get started, most would leave a few crucial details out.

[@98Kentuckian]

i just bought a YesWelder Ac250 and can't for the life of me get a good bead on aluminum. Thank you so much for this video !

[@jondavidmcnabb]

Mike, I am re-watching this months later. Can you do another video on this Hynade welder? It would be awesome to see how you integrated the CK Torch and see you do some more teaching lessons. You are an excellent instructor. I would love to see you do some TIG brazing.

[@sergiozammel8261]

Thanks mate, as a welder for many years never got my teeth into ally. Great tutoring !

[@zachburleson495]

Thanks so much man, it's overwhelming to learn TIG and I feel more empowered than ever.

[@randyanderson4442]

Mike,you also put out great,easy to follow videos no matter the subject.Thank you.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man I really appreciate it 😊👍

[@johnpappas2060]

Bless These kind of videos are the reason I subscribe to your channel. Keep ‘em coming. Thanks 😊

[@paulkerst7446]

Mike you did a really good job explaining tig welding what to do or not to do in a nice slow voice I could hear and understand !!!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thank you

[@gadgetmerc]

Perfect timing Mike. My yeswelder CT2050 was delivered on wednesday. So far only practiced on steel. Now I need to run to my steel dealer to get some aluminum. Thanks again for putting out exactly what guys like me need to see.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on 👍 I tried out a Beta Yeswelder CT2050 about 6 months ago, I used the Plasma to cut out my aluminum parts for a fuel tank, then I AC TIG welded the fuel tank with it as well. Cool welder, the Beta had some things I didn’t like as well so I made a lot of simple suggestions to Yeswelder and they definitely implemented them 👍 I haven’t trying out the new version yet. Have fun and I hope it gives you many years of welding 🙂

[@gadgetmerc]

@@Mikefestiva I can already tell I'm going to wish I didn't have to switch between Tig and plasma. I'm a hobby builder so it'll work out just fine. I have a mig already though. For steel I'll be able to tack things together with the mig while cutting out parts, then burn it solid with Tig.

[@gadgetmerc]

@@Mikefestiva also, thanks for making it a better machine before they made mine. I appreciate it

[@advancednutritioninc908]

Mike, Yes to the comparison between YES and other welder! Thanks !!

[@msears101]

Mike love the content. Thanks for all your effort for great content that you produce.

[@Billrovid]

Great to see some content from your Mike. Can’t wait for the next project.

[@advancednutritioninc908]

Great video! I ordered a few items glad it helps you a little! You always give good content!! Thank You!

[@rsbharley4766]

Excellent video with great info. Thanks for taking the time to share. Cheers

[@jondavidmcnabb]

I firmly believe Mike should be teaching Industrial arts in the local community college. Also Mike you rock, didn't know about that amp control torch for the Hynade. YES i definitely want a video of you walking it thru the different abilities.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Jon!!!

[@freddiealim4976]

Thank you Mike I learned a lot from you how to used that machine,

[@collijee]

Thanks Mike for your great in-depth and generous advice. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@bigtexguttersllc]

You have the teacher big in you man. Excellent video, like always. God bless.

[@K1Racer.]

You did the best job of explaining fusion 360 for us beginner cnc plasma guys !!!

[@biggeffory]

Best welding videos I’ve found on the net so far! Thank you 🙏

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks I’m glad this video was helpful 😊👍

[@biggeffory]

@@Mikefestiva one question I have, maybe you can help. To weld Aluminium you need an AC welder to get through the oxide layer right? What about a DC welder with a pulse function? Can that weld aluminium or are there limitations? Thanks in advance!

[@Mikefestiva]

@@biggeffory AC is what you will need, pulse won’t change anything when trying to weld Aluminum with DC. The AC is key.

[@kdolmyer]

A brilliant instructional video! Thank you!

[@TylerGuthrie7]

A comparison and contrast between the yes welder and the hynade and the Vulcan would be awesome :)

[@patrickyoung5726]

Great video! Thanks for your efforts!

[@andrewdoherty8847]

Greetings from Oz. I just watched the pair of intro TIG welding video's. I subscribed. I have already done a welding course (two actually) and I still learnt and had explained various items. I will be seeking out your Fusion videos. Although computer literate, CAD/CAM is a whole new territory for me. Making a cnc machine from scratch, just for the heck of it, is in my near future (after the cars, boat, and house. lol).

[@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj]

Thank you Mike. I have been thinking about getting into Aluminum. Most appreciated.

[@warrensewell8761]

great content for the DIYers out here. keep it up Mike I enjoy your clean calm approach to training videos. You may want to take a drum break to wait out the heat soaks. 🥁

[@NZRFoster]

Great video Mike, just the right amount of info!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks!

[@stevecabak662]

Awesome video.. looking to start tig welding,

[@vincemeyer7968]

Great video! Always happy to see another welding video from you! Thanks Mike!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Vince! I really appreciate it 🙂👍

[@zeek714]

Thanks for the video !!! You make it look so easy.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 😊 Keep on practicing, you will get definitely get it figured out 👍

[@johncarr123]

Thanks for making this video

[@calew2470]

Thank you!

[@gregsidel3557]

Thank you Mike for the video it was very good I like the way you explain stuff so an idiot like me can understand it thank you so much Mike

[@jparker785]

Great tip on gas. I hadn't thought of it, and would assume, same goes with MIG. Still only DC TIG for me, but watch vids on AC, so when I upgrade I'll have more understanding. Always solid info duder 😊✌️

[@joeham3832]

Just found your video on the dump truck build and subscribed and can’t stop watching!! I love doing everything you do Myself, but mainly wanted to get on here to tell you how impressed I am, you a genius!!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Joe! I really appreciate it 🙂

[@MrTrollHunter]

I did enjoy the video. another one with lots of good information and tips.

[@joell439]

Excellent summary Mike. Thanks for all the energy you invest to share topics like this with us. 👍😎👍

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! Thanks Joel 🙂 Have a great weekend!

[@denisniederhoffer8716]

Great video and a lot of great tips for new tig welders.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 👍 I’m glad you enjoyed my video!

[@denisniederhoffer8716]

@@Mikefestiva I like how you made two cuts in the coupon to weld. Great idea. I’ll have to start doing that. And the stand for the portaband. I’ll need to get me one.

[@jimaltmiller677]

I appreciate this video.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Jim 😊👍

[@ironsmithindustries3761]

Very helpful video I have been having lots of trouble getting my protig 205 dialed for aluminum. And I might have to try grey tungsten instead if purple I have been running

[@anthonytrodriguez7166]

Very well explained steps by steps thx you

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my Aluminum TIG video 😊👍

[@anthonytrodriguez7166]

@@Mikefestiva your welcome learn well

[@santory5788]

thank you for this.

[@mikemellow512]

Great tutorial! Extremely helpful and well done. Thank you.

[@Mikefestiva]

Glad it was helpful! 😊👍

[@brentsmith5647]

Brilliant man love watching and learning. Brilliant video thank you👀♥️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@BigKeith510]

I have a multi process welder... I really could not get the tig to work at all. Idk what I did wrong... Great video thanks for the content.

[@ogheneawupiambrus915]

It's loving thanks sir I really learn alot

[@jamesanderson8097]

What welder setup should I get to start learning tig welding that won’t break the bank. Steel and aluminum. I don’t care to start a business it just something I’ve always been amazed by

[@StomptheweakHurdletheDead]

thanks for your time and help!

[@donovanurquhart6326]

Very informative, love the demo.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my Aluminum TIG welding video 👍 the ( How to TIG weld in 20 minutes ) video covers a lot of other details as well.

[@Mapleleaflocksmith]

Very helpful video! I hope my 110 volt mig/tig/stick can do some aluminum, I'm about to find out. On an unrelated note it's awesome that you wear your own name on your shirt, I'm going to start doing this pronto.

[@tjstuts1706]

Thanks for simplifying. Great info. Thanks

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video 🙂👍

[@DecayWithUs]

Lots of good tips that can only come from experience for most of us! Especially the little things like making sure your cooling fan isn't blowing all your gas away 👍 great job on the video, and look at that sub count 😮😁

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new TIG video! I enjoy sharing what I learned over the years with others. I try to make the videos that I wish I could have found when first starting to teach myself how to TIG weld years ago 👍 Take care and have a fantastic weekend!

[@DougsMessyGarage]

Great tips. Thanks Mike.

[@jamesbush268]

Enjoyed the great content. Always looking forward to your next video.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks James!

[@SteveHellweg]

Thanks buddy! Learned a bunch!

[@Mikefestiva]

Glad to help! 😊👍

[@austinpainter113]

If it’s something you have experience with, it would be awesome if you could make a video on titanium welding! I’ve been interested in welding for awhile, and just bought a Yeswelder 200p ac/dc machine. Starting off projects wise, I’m really interested in doing some exhaust work, so if welding titanium is much different from either stainless or aluminum, I’d love to better understand the process going into it beforehand. This is your 2nd video I’ve watched so far, and I really like them! Seems like you really cover all the most “need to know” areas.

[@KailynsJoy]

Just tried it for the first time tonight. It's like soldering with an angry garden hose. I was awful at it. But now the hyperfocus has begun!

[@codprawn]

Top tip for making the extra value coupons.

[@brandon65960]

Would love to see a video of that hynade machine

[@timwatkins1665]

Yes please

[@jerrygoldfuss466]

Great video Mike, thanks for sharing.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new TIG video Jerry! 🙂

[@1rustytree]

Great info Mike, one of these days I’ll pull the trigger on a tig that can weld aluminum!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video 🙂👍 TIG is useful but my MIG I use a lot more around my shop. Take care

[@Shrubfan]

Mike, you have definatly made a difference in my ability to get started with Tig welding aluminum. Thank you for all you do! Can you advise waht respirator you use that will fit under a welding hood?

[@gordonwalker7494]

I've had the hynade now for a while got mine before they offered it with the foot pedal. But got a foot pedal ordered and right after it got a different tig torch and finger switch so far I'm really pleased with it the way it welds aluminum all I really got it for is doing mobile aluminum cause it's 110/220 unlike my other tig machine. So far it's really smooth machine..would like to see you compare ot to the yes welder .

[@thebullzi]

Hey Gordon, which torch and finger switch did you purchase? Do you prefer it or the foot pedal?

[@humblyright]

I enjoy your content, congrats on 200K!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 👍 I really appreciate it 🙂

[@tkskagen]

I have thought of joining a "Basics of Welding Aluminum Class" (if there is such) at Olympic College in Bremerton, Washington. From what I have heard, if you can Weld Aluminum, you can basically Weld Anything!

[@Mikefestiva]

Probably would be a great class to take and get certified, I know there’s lots of aluminum boat building here in western Washington state. 👍

[@Ants_Pants]

Great video Mike, man you have a lot of different welders :O 👍👍😉😉

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video Ants! Haha 😂 yes I have more then I need now. I sure wish I could get you a MIG and a plasma cutter. I know you would use them a lot 👍

[@joshjaphet2337]

Hey great content! Love the welding, tractor, sawmill stuff. Thanks for the Hobo Dave music in your videos, I watched his autobiography, and I feel totally inspired!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my videos Josh! I really appreciate it man 🙂 Yes Hobo Dave has some really good music and videos. The Suburban wilderness album and Video is definitely inspiring 🙂👍

[@ListenTV51]

Hi Mike, thanks for the insightful and informative videos. I have a quick question for you tho. Do you have an educational background (teaching) or have you ever thought of being one? I think you will make a great one with your relaxed demeanour and ease of explaining information is just excellent to watch. But thanks once more for the content.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man I really appreciate it 😊👍 I don’t have a background in teaching but I have trained a lot of people over the years when it comes to welding and Millwright work. Thanks again!

[@fredmartinez933]

Thanks mike very informative..thank you for sharing..

[@northerniltree]

That low pressure, bad gas thing is a real problem solver. After not TIG welding for over 40 years, I started again to realize my welds were off. My argon was old and low on pressure. My technique was still good, though.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on I’m glad that helped! 🙂👍

[@JD-kv7tx]

Hi Mike, Great videos TY. I want to get an AC/DC Tig welder, you talked about the Yes machine but I can't find the TIG part 2 video you mentioned in the TIG Intro Video. I like the price at 650.00 for the Yes 250Amp AC/DC TIG Aluminum Welder. Thoughts on that vs another brand/model? ALSO.. No one ever talks about the details of the correct filler Rod to use when Tig welding of any kind... can you touch on that? Tks JD

[@chrishigdon1070]

great video mike

[@54mgtf22]

Love your work 👍

[@fredmartinez933]

thank you for your tips...keep posting..have a nice day Mike..

[@vernonsamson176]

Awesome

[@kennywells831]

thanks mike very informative

[@acuraintegrar5]

Great vid mike!

[@mrmumbles219]

Thanks for this.

[@danielson101]

Nice Job and thank you"

[@WeldorLife]

i like this video

[@stevemonuidowu6012]

I love your work. Keep it up.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thank you 😊👍