Bought a Miller Multimatic 200

[Sodo]

I've typed this too many times, for almost 3 years now. If I can't get sonme good info on TBN I've half-a-mind to just go get an Argon bottle and find out for myself. And I just got done preaching to find a project and just start/learn. I can think of a few 1/8" thick Aluminum projects that aought to be doable with ~150 amps. A railing should be doable. (But I don't have any railing needs).

 

[Shield Arc]

Eventually want to make a railing.

For smaller diameter pipe, a Tig welder may be a better option.

 

[dragoneggs]

For smaller diameter pipe, a Tig welder may be a better option.

Yeah now I realize TIG is probably much better option for a prettier weld.

 

[yomax4]

I'm not a big spool gun fan. Start cold - finish hot. Tig is great for thinner material. I'm blessed to have a synergic twin pulse Mig power supply with pulse frequency control, Current change and relationship control. With a Python push pull. I can do 1/16 aluminum with 3/64 wire. Sets up like a tig welder but is mig. Hard to believe I know but these type of units will be common in the USA in the next couple of years. Affordability is another question. I mentioned that I was blessed. I got mine for free.

 

[Shield Arc]

I played with the pulse when I first got my Lincoln V350-Pro.
This weld was done with a spool gun on (I think) 16-GA aluminum.

 

[Sodo]

This calculator may be of some use to you guys.
MIG Solid-Core Welding Calculator - MillerWelds

Thanks but thats where I got the 3/16" and 150A numbers. Would be great if other members have pics, projects, examples of a MultiMatic 200 or equivalent smaller machine MIGGIN' some Aluminum. Especially at the thicker end of its ability.

The MultiMatic200 is an inverter machine, has DC only - I understand that DC TIG can be done on aluminum but to expect poor results, and nobody considers it a useful option.

 

[Shield Arc]

This Tig weld on aluminum was done on DC, with 100% helium.

 

[Shield Arc]

This aluminum weld was made with one of my Everlast stick welders with 100% argon, and a Tig rig. Without a foot pedal you can only make short welds. No way to back off the power as the aluminum gets hot.

 

[Sodo]

This Tig weld on aluminum was done on DC, with 100% helium.

I would be very happy with that weld. That doesn't look like other folks' descriptions of DC TIG on Aluminum.

I already have a Tig torch & foot pedal, and a Spoolmate100 Mig gun.
So for an upcoming Aluminum project (3/16" thick) which makes more sense?

1) Lease an Argon tank and crank up the SpoolMate100 MIG gun?
2) Lease a Helium tank and do DC TIG.

 

[Shield Arc]

Helium is so expensive! And you have to run around 30-cfh. Because helium is lighter than air. With 100% argon I run about 15-cfh.