bdhsfz6
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- Apr 11, 2015
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I know...I know, this subject has been done to death here over the years but searches give me little advice specific to my situation.
I have a Hobart AC/DC stick welder and a Hobart MIG wire welder. The MIG has a gas regulator which I don't use since most of the welding I do is on mild steel. Switching wire types and setting up the gas takes more time than the welding project itself. Keeping a supply of gas is also an issue since I would use so little.
Most of the aluminum I work with is 6061 or 6063 angle & bar stock 1/8 to 1/4 thick. Are there any tricks & tips to welding this material using MIG or stick machines without gas? I've tried using aluminum welding rod in the past but the weld always looks like the dog's breakfast.
I've been considering another welder, perhaps TIG to use exclusively for aluminum but I hate to spend the $$ since I would use it so infrequently. Gas is also an issue since welding supply shops are a great distance away. Are there small disposable gas cylinders available online? The ones I've seen are only available in Europe, likely due to US shipping regs.
Any suggestions?
I have a Hobart AC/DC stick welder and a Hobart MIG wire welder. The MIG has a gas regulator which I don't use since most of the welding I do is on mild steel. Switching wire types and setting up the gas takes more time than the welding project itself. Keeping a supply of gas is also an issue since I would use so little.
Most of the aluminum I work with is 6061 or 6063 angle & bar stock 1/8 to 1/4 thick. Are there any tricks & tips to welding this material using MIG or stick machines without gas? I've tried using aluminum welding rod in the past but the weld always looks like the dog's breakfast.
I've been considering another welder, perhaps TIG to use exclusively for aluminum but I hate to spend the $$ since I would use it so infrequently. Gas is also an issue since welding supply shops are a great distance away. Are there small disposable gas cylinders available online? The ones I've seen are only available in Europe, likely due to US shipping regs.
Any suggestions?