I started on thin wall chromoly (".035 wall), so the learning curve was pretty steep.
When I started to weld aluminum, I wished that i learned on aluminum first. Getting the machine settings right is the most difficult part. Once the machine is set up properly, welding aluminum was easier. Everything happens slower, so you have more time to focus on the arc and adding filler.
After the machine settings (AC balance & frequency) the most important thing is removing the oxide layer on the surface. I prep the joints with a scotch Brite roloc disc and wipe with acetone.
Well, I’m now eager to give it another shot. this weekend for sure.
Side Note:
We have the Delaware National Guard here doing some training exercises with our people. Word is they heard about our RC Flying field and want to hang out with us on Sunday, sure hope they bring one of the Blackhawks.
If you need to learn the process steel is more forgiving to learn on. Once you get the basis it is easy to transition to aluminum. Imagine telling a newbie plasma guy to start out with a more difficult material to cut.
Just my two cents. I don’t have a doubt you can’t master it. After all you have most here jealous because you mastered how to keep the wife happy enough you can take a mill though the house. Oh an not have to sleep in the dog house .
Yup, Interesting stuff. We’re working out logistics now,
Civil Aviation here has issues, but it’s military and they can’t pull much weight.
Some concerns on both sides about Rotorwash and our clubhouse shed not playing nicely
They fly the Blackhawks in pairs, so we need to facilitate space for two of them birds. Now, we have 400 acres, but a lot of it is just over-fly vegetation.
I taking the day off tomorrow with some buddies to see what magic we can do with a D4 Cat. But worst case, they come by bus and we grill burgers and brisket and we entertain them with some model flying Caribbean style …AND BEERS, MUST HAVE BEERS,
Footnote:
It’s hot , frigging hot here right now, and we have lots of Saharan dust in the atmosphere, my sinuses are like freaking out! … yes, bourbon helps!
My handsome guy got his antlers today. Epoxied some hanger bolts, waited an hour, assembled then tacked the back of his head on. I thought was done here, but my wife then politely reminded me “he needs ears”. Doh!
1/2" PVC end-cap, one penny, 1/4" bolt and nut and 3 tiny self-tapping screws… engineered a temporary fix to run Jobs this weekend and until my replacement regulator gets here …Human creativity knows no bounds!
, frigging hot here right now, and we have lots of Saharan dust in the atmosphere, my sinuses are like freaking out! … yes, bourbon helps! 
