I researched it based on the Everbilt aluminum I have in stock from HD. Made in Mexico is about all I can find. Most likely 5052 but just guessing.

 

5052 or 6061 would be my guess.

 

How critical is the project? I bought some aluminum (angle, flat and round bar/rods) from Home Depot. I researched it at the time and didn't find a definitive answer. It was just for a simple welding cart, so I just bought it and hoped for the best. I used 4043 filler (it's what I had on hand) and it welded fine.

It's not a super hard use cart, but it does get used, and it does ride in the back of a trailer at times. A year or so of use and all the welds are holding just fine.

 

It's not critical at all, I'm just curious.

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Pretty much ALL garden store aluminum extrusions are 6061 0r 6063. You can find 5000 series but they are gawd-awful expensive and not commonly stocked.

 

Most of what I see at Home Depot and lowes is 4xxx aluminum


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That's interesting. Does it have any designation on it? I would have to assume so, in order to know for certain. Usually everything I've seen has clear anodizing, meaning it would be 6000 series.

This is from Metals Management Inc. -

The 4000 Series of alloys:

The 4000 series of alloys contain quite high silicon contents, and are typically not used for extrusion purposes. They are popular for a variety of welding wire and brazing wire applications. Their uses include sheet, forgings and welding and brazing products.

I've never run into it except for filler but I'd like to get my hands on some for kicks.

 

So would it be safe to say 4043 would be good to use for Tig?

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Should be fine. I have used some Lowes and tractor supply (same alloy) on projects and used 4043 and 4943 without issues.


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Steel yard.. best prices.. i stick of 1/8 angle is like 30 bucks at lowes.. yard is like ... dont quote me on it... i think 12-18 bucks


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4043 is the first filler I would try.

 

Can never go wrong with 5356 filler if you want a strong weld. Most patio furniture is welded with it and it works well. 4043 is also dependent on base metal dilution for strength, so I avoid it. You really have to dwell in the puddle which I hate.

 

One other thing to be aware of is that those short aluminum pieces for sale at places like HD and Lowes often times have a clear anodize coating on them (that's why they're so shinny and pretty looking). If you don't get that removed first it'll make for some real nasty looking (and hard to make) welds. In short it's just a PITA to try and work with.

My advice would be to check around with all the other metal suppliers in your area to see what they carry before buying any of that stuff from HD or similar stores. A lot of places that are basically "steel" suppliers often times also carry a selection of basic aluminum shapes.

 

It says the alloy right on the price tag


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Thank you, Dave. Interestingly, after a little research I find that our asian friends ARE selling this alloy extruded. I wonder why? My suppliers just say - WHAT? - here in AK.

 

If it is an angle, it is extruded and likely 6100.
Jerry

 

McMaster.come has extruded shapes in short lengths with certs.