Welding aluminum

[drivesitfar]

I'm also wanting to weld aluminum and improve my welding skills so I'm here to learn.

thank you all for sharing!!

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I'm also wanting to weld aluminum and improve my welding skills so I'm here to learn.

thank you all for sharing!!

Look at a MIG/TIG/STick inverter machine. My Miller Multimatic 200 is a smooth welder offering both a MIG (using a spool gun) and TIG process on aluminum but there are less expensive options.

 

[KenLysons]

Tig is the only way to go.

 

[sd455dan]

Why not pick up some Aluminum wire, install a teflon liner, make sure you have pure Argon hooked up, crank up the wire speed and give it a try as Yomax suggested.

Op may be surprised just how well it may work.


Very little cost and you have the power to weld way thicker Aluminum than any newly purchased 200 amp welder.

If the mig cable torch length is ~12 feet or less on the existing welder- it makes even more sense since you will not be pushing the Aluminum wire an excessive distance. my :2cents:

 

[dragoneggs]

When I bought my Miller 210 (transformer) I got the spool gun accessory on a package deal at a hard to pass up price. I have yet to break it out for a couple of reasons... okay maybe three. First I haven't had a 'job' for aluminum welding... second, I don't have the Argon tank... and three, I am a bit chicken. Am looking forward to the day... when I can dedicate some time though.

 

[Big Barn]

You could always try running aluminum through your current feeder and gun. Teflon liner, U-groove feed rolls, 45 degree neck, 10' gun and 5356 wire. It's doable.

Add me to the list of trying the above. I would NOT bother buying a contactor and spool gun for your current old machine.

 

[Big Barn]

When I bought my Miller 210 (transformer) I got the spool gun accessory on a package deal at a hard to pass up price. I have yet to break it out for a couple of reasons... okay maybe three. First I haven't had a 'job' for aluminum welding... second, I don't have the Argon tank... and three, I am a bit chicken. Am looking forward to the day... when I can dedicate some time though.

Hmm. Start gathering aluminum scraps or drops from your metal supplier or nearby shops. Buy an exchangeable bottle of argon.

Post here and we will kick your butt on the “chicken” issue. We’ve all been there.

You’re welcome, Mark! Btw I thought you had the Miller 211 tranny* ?


*welder talk referring to transformer welder. Do NOT google “tranny”

 

[MinnesotaEric]

When I bought my Miller 210 (transformer) I got the spool gun accessory on a package deal at a hard to pass up price. I have yet to break it out for a couple of reasons... okay maybe three. First I haven't had a 'job' for aluminum welding... second, I don't have the Argon tank... and three, I am a bit chicken. Am looking forward to the day... when I can dedicate some time though.

Here is a 125 cu/ft argon cylinder 125 cu/ft 1% Argon Tank Welding Gas Cylinder CGA 58 - FULL - - Amazon.com Your spool kit should have come with a regulator. Get a separate steel brush to be used just for aluminum. Aluminum MIG spool gun 100 or 200 is just about the same as the steel MIG process only the feed speed is way faster and it is more critical to back-draw the end of the weld to avoid a pit as pits in aluminum welds can more readily be the start of a crack in welds subject to vibration (like on trailers).

 

[yomax4]

Why not pick up some Aluminum wire, install a teflon liner, make sure you have pure Argon hooked up, crank up the wire speed and give it a try as Yomax suggested.

Op may be surprised just how well it may work.


Very little cost and you have the power to weld way thicker Aluminum than any newly purchased 200 amp welder.

If the mig cable torch length is ~12 feet or less on the existing welder- it makes even more sense since you will not be pushing the Aluminum wire an excessive distance. my :2cents:

It's Key to turn up the wire speed when 1st starting. Turn it up til it pushes you away and then back it off until it runs. Saves on burn backs and bird nests. Larger wire is much easier to lean with as well.. Good Point !

 

[dragoneggs]

Hmm. Start gathering aluminum scraps or drops from your metal supplier or nearby shops. Buy an exchangeable bottle of argon.

Post here and we will kick your butt on the 田hicken issue. We致e all been there.

Youæ±*e welcome, Mark! Btw I thought you had the Miller 211 tranny* ?


*welder talk referring to transformer welder. Do NOT google �ranny�/QUOTE]
Oops typo, yes 211. And yes someday I will subject myself to the TBN welding gauntlet when I break out the spool gun. No I will not google tranny. Thanks for all the advice.