Spool gun & Miller Maxstar 150STH

IXLR8 · Dec 4, 2016

I have some aluminum I want to weld, I know being a DC machine TIG welding with the 150STH is not a good choice. I was wondering if I could add a spool gun and have the capability to weld alum with that. Thanks

Shield Arc · Dec 4, 2016

Doesn't look like Miller offers a spool gun for your welder. Why not just buy the foot pedal, and an air cooled Tig rig?
Maxstar(R) 15 STH TIG Welders | Miller - MillerWelds
TIG Welding Torch Set WP-26V-25R 25-ft 2 Amp Air-Cooled w/Free Gloves | eBay

Clay45 · Dec 4, 2016

I thought you still needed AC to weld aluminum?

Shield Arc · Dec 4, 2016

Clay45 said:
I thought you still needed AC to weld aluminum?

Nope! This weld was made with an Everlast DC only stick welder. Now with DC you won't get the cleaning you get on AC.

IXLR8 · Dec 4, 2016

I have the TIG setup, with footpedal, I just thought DC welding aluminum didn't work so well. SA what did you use for gas for that weld?

Sodo · Dec 4, 2016

IXLR8 said:
SA what did you use for gas for that weld?

Helium. sɐb ǝʌɐs oʇ pǝʇɹǝʌuı ʇı pǝpןǝʍ ǝɥ ʇnq.
:laughing:
:laughing:
:laughing:

I was surprised how well a spoolgun worked with my DC MIG (with Argon). I'm gonna pursue it further.

Shield Arc · Dec 4, 2016

IXLR8 said:
SA what did you use for gas for that weld?

I pretty sure that weld was done with 100% argon.
This weld was done with my Miller Dynasty 300, on DC with 100% helium. Now with 100% helium it is about twice the power as with 100% argon.

IXLR8 · Dec 4, 2016

I knew He would give a hotter weld than Ar, I didn't realize a decent weld on Alum could be done DC Tig with Ar. For my limited Alum welding, getting set up with He is out of my price range. SA, I understand you have only been welding for a few weeks... hopefully in a few weeks I can lay down a bead on Alum that looks as good as yours.

Can a spool gun be used on a CC machine, or do you need a CV machine?