small cheep alloy welders

E

ezra

Well-known member
so who has a small cheep wire feed for alloy?
what is it ?how well dose it work for u?what did u pay?
looking at some big box store mig units yeah I know I should go out spent 3k but it is not going to happen.
I had a small 110 non mig few yrs back worked well for playing in the garage fixing lawn mower deck few snowmobile bumper stands you know putting.
I want to get a cheapo alloy mig to make some diamond plate shelving / fold up bunk bed/ table legs/ tv stand/box for around the suburban sf35 furnace/ etc etc for the trailer.
thinking 220v.don't plan on anything more than 1/8 thick if even that thick.
never played with alloy welding but always wanted to give it a shot
not looking for perfect beads jut stuck together and more or less strong I know I will have some ugly stuff on the first pile of scrap i burn the first tank of gas or 2 on lol.
was thinking going real low rent with a harbor fright unit but thought those are hard to sell when I am board with it of excited and want to go spend that 3k
 
N

Noodles

New member
Are you looking for a wire feed welder to do aluminum?If so it wont be cheap like you are talking about.Gotta buy a decent mig welder then a spool gun attachment,etc.You can probably get into a tig welder cheaper to do aluminum.
 
M

millertime

New member
I agree. Also spend the extra and get the gas set up. Flux core sucks for welding steel. If space is an issue you can get the small tanks. I learned the hardway. I have a Lincoln Set up and am happy.
 
S

snoluver1

Active member
Aluminum welding with a wire feed is possible but not easy by any means. At least not for me! Remember, you will need pure argon gas and will need to change the tip to a bit larger than the wire. Also install a plastic liner and loosen the tension on the rollers. If you do not do these steps you will end up with a birds nest of aluminum inside the welder. Not fun. The problem with welding thin aluminum with a wire welder is getting the heat set right. (actually works better on thicker stuff) Its nearly impossible to do with a 110v. I wouldn't even bother, you'll just pull your hair out! Definitely go 220 for any kind of chance, and if your going to do a lot, just bite the bullet and go with a tig. Its really not worth the aggravation otherwise.
 
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R

renten

New member
Go with the Tig! Plus the Tig does many different metals and alloys. A few days of practice and you will be proficient enough to make a solid weld. As time passes you will be amazed at the stuff you can fix and make. I have been Tig welding for years and can fabricate just about anything from a chromoly tube frame chassis to alloy body panels.
 
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