plowboy , it works - you can get special rods that are flux cored , i think the last ones i got were " corex " brand , also can use aluminum arc rods they have flux coating , or rods that are bare and use flux to dip rod into . this can work extremely well at remote areas with no power sources and especially in windy conditions , where you could never get gas coverage with other processes . it is just like brazing . makes lots of smoke .i used to use cobalt
(blue) lenses as they filtered the smoke and can see the weld there are many tricks you can learn . you should get a few books that cover aluninum to understand what you are doing (welders bible ,etc.) they can be helpfull the rest is practice . good luck . willie