An Aluminium welding task

Something that has stumped me.....
My first stick welder, bought in the 70's was an SIP 140 amp - in yellow. With the carbon brazing kit I could braze almost anything - the machine produced a splendid electric 'flame' just in front of the carbons.
That one had to be sold...fell on hard times etc getting on to the housing ladder.
My existing stick welder is another SIP 160 amp turbo....probably 20 years old now. The 'flame' is no where near as effective and just tends to strike across the carbons so brazing is hardly possible, unfortunately.
I don't know what the difference is - maybe down to the voltage produced across the carbons but I've been ever so disappointed with it So its MIG or oxy now.
John

I wonder if your 'newer ' one is an inverter type John, without a heavy mains transformer, if it is, possibly the back emf from the inductance of the transformer on the old one gave a better arc.,

I don't know how old mine is, at least 40 years I would think, it has no writing and very little paint on it, I rather think that was an SIP.

Peter

I really don't know, Peter....the machine is one hell of a weight though!
One day I'll have another play with it.
Thanks for your reply!
John

Well to start with welding Ali you need a Ac welding set as most are Dc and you need pure argon and a white tipped tungsten if welding with tig and than you need to back purge it too and I very doubt you will get all of the oxygen from it due to the gaps around the treads and the cost of the argon out weighs the ladder and life cost so skip them.