Question welding aluminum

[BMan2005]

I have a Everlast 200st with Tig/Stick function. Granted I think it has a very generic Tig function but it's welding aluminum is not something I would do often at all. So my question. Should I just get a Tig torch and use what I have or invest in a mig welder? Seems whichever way I go I need gas which I wanted to avoid since I would rarely ever use it, but looks like that isn't an option.

Thanks

Edit*. This would also be something I could use on thin steel.

 

[ctrider]

I don't know much about tig, but you'll need 100% argon and a spool gun for mig. I guess you can put the spool of aluminum wire in the machine without the spool gun, but it doesn't feed very well because it's softer. I've also read you can use C25 with aluminum, but it leaves a blackish weld.

If you plan on doing a lot of aluminum I'd get a spool gun and 100% argon.

 

[yomax4]

Well, Your machine is DC only so you can use aluminum stick rods for blobby repairs with a little instruction or use them with oxy/acetylene. Other than that I think you would struggle with DC Aluminum using Helium so maybe look at a different machine either AC/DC or a Mig with spool gun. Good Luck.

 

[RNeumann]

Totally different solutions and costs. Even if you go with a dedicated mig machine you will still need a spool gun for aluminum.
It’s hard to beat a mig machine for quick projects. So if money is no object grab a dedicated mig and spool gun. The other advantage of mig is the learning curve. Tig definitely has a steeper learning curve.

 

[BMan2005]

This is the suggestions I need here guys. It may be easier to just get the few odd & end things repaired by someone already set up. Aluminum isn't something I plan to mess with much.

 

[Shield Arc]

This is an aluminum Tig weld made on DC, with 100% helium.

 

[Teachu2]

It's not just the equipment - it is a different skillset than welding steel. I have the equipment, but if I need to do an aluminum project, I have to practice up a bit. I keep some scrap handy for that purpose. If I need it pretty, or it's not pretty thick material, it's lots cheaper to hire it out. I've seen pros Tig weld two soda cans together at the bases....

 

[sandman2234]

I had a source for free gas, all I had to do was supply the bottles. I used to play with my TIG with Helium, just to see how pretty I could make the welds. Typically I used straight Argon when welding with pure (green) tungsten. My old machine isn't much, but it has served me well for many, many years! Plus it was cheap and in good shape when I lucked into it!
David from jax

 

[pgk]

This is an aluminum Tig weld made on DC, with 100% helium.

Show Off!! Looks good man! The first time I tried DC and UHP on some 1" aluminum I couldn't believe how much penetration I had with relatively low amp setting. Takes some getting used to though, no shiny puddle like with AC..

Pete

 

[sinisterbiker]

I have a Everlast 200st with Tig/Stick function. Granted I think it has a very generic Tig function but it's welding aluminum is not something I would do often at all. So my question. Should I just get a Tig torch and use what I have or invest in a mig welder? Seems whichever way I go I need gas which I wanted to avoid since I would rarely ever use it, but looks like that isn't an option.

Thanks

Edit*. This would also be something I could use on thin steel.

Invest in the tig set up. I do this at work. I need to get a better machine for home use for side work.