Best MIG for a $1000

[Chain Bender]

Not a pro and won't be used commercially. Just to piddle around the shop, maybe build a few aluminum ladder stands etc. Retired and have to much spare time on my hands. Is AC output a requirement for good welds or nice to have? What about the HF and pulse stuff. See, I'm new to aluminum.

tks in advance for any suggestions,
Chain Bender

 

[yomax4]

Are you talking Mig or Tig? No HF or AC output with Mig.

 

[C4Ranch]

If it were me. Lincoln 120mp.

I'm seriously eyeing one myself. Mig, stick, tig, 120 or 220

 

[Chain Bender]

MIG. I thought I previously read a thread on here that condemned the Harbor Freight and Northern MIGs because they wouldn't do AC.

But just basically want something that will weld 1/8th aluminum strong enough that 240# won't break it loose.

 

[CNC Dan]

MIG. I thought I previously read a thread on here that condemned the Harbor Freight and Northern MIGs because they wouldn't do AC.

No, the condemnation was because they harbor freight Migs do put out AC, but they should not.

 

[Chain Bender]

No, the condemnation was because they harbor freight Migs do put out AC, but they should not.

So I had my outputs BASSACKWARDS then. OK, tks.

I do like the first glance at the Lincoln MP210, but it doesn't come with a spool gun. Add another $300 plus to the tab.

 

[Big Barn]

Maybe this...?http://m.northerntool.com/products/shop~tools~product_200482227_200482227

Terry

 

[4570Man]

To weld aluminum you need a spool gun, and that will eat up most of your budget. All of the welder in my shop were bought at auction sales. If you have 220 volt power I wouldn't waste time with 110 volt models.

 

[Shield Arc]

Welding thin aluminum with the Mig process is not an easy task. I suggest you look into Tig welders.
TIG Welders - Welding Supplies | Everlast Power Equipment

 

[dfkrug]

To weld aluminum you need a spool gun, and that will eat up most of your budget.
All of the welder in my shop were bought at auction sales. If you have 220 volt power I wouldn't waste time with
110 volt models.

You can use a MIG welder without a spool gun. I have been most successful with 5356 0.035" wire with
my Hobart Ironman 210. It is stiffer than 4043 and much less likely to "rats nest" at the drive roller. I have used
4043 at 0.030", and do not recommend it. One of the tricks to use Al is to use a larger tip and stick with
big wire: .040 tip and .035 wire. A spool gun IS made for the Hobart, but I am too cheap to buy it.

That said, MIG welding with aluminum this way is not for fine work.

There is a place for 120V MIG welders, too. Better portability, for one. They work fine for thinner metal,
in my experience.