How is the quality of welding aluminum with this welder?
991047
I've been meaning to update my review with that info. The A/C function works fine. I am able to get decent looking beads when I tig, but this isn't a Miller dynasty. You have very few function controls. The pedal also doesn't allow for fine amperage control (since it's not a true high frequency pedal). With all that being said, if you have the patience to experiment with the amperage that best suits the thickness of your material, you should be fine. Just remember one important thing: speed. You have to move quickly once that aluminum starts to go molten. I've had some good results with this welder on A/C, but you get what you pay for, and that means operating this cheap machine can be quirky. For what it's worth, I've found that ceriated tungsten works the best with this machine.
870840
Hobart web site is the best to find good information. You can only use 100% argon gas. There are a number of tips that work. Clean material is a must. Have tools designated as aluminum only, hand wire brush and 4" grinder wire wheel. Also, practice on scrape. It is a really fast process, you have to weld faster than steel welding. You can push better than pulling the puddle. I as weird as it sounds you can well down hill easy. If you don't have Aluminum grinding wheels for your grinder. The aluminum fills up the wheel fast, but if you run candle wax on the wheel before it last a lot longer. You have to do it every few minutes. I hope this helps. Oh, keep a number of tips on hand. Hobart web site is the best to find good information. You can only use 100% argon gas. There are a number of tips that work. Clean material is a must. Have tools designated as aluminum only, hand wire brush and 4" grinder wire wheel. Also, practice on scrape. It is a really fast process, you have to weld faster than steel welding. You can push better than pulling the puddle. I as weird as it sounds you can well down hill easy. If you don't have Aluminum grinding wheels for your grinder. The aluminum fills up the wheel fast, but if you run candle wax on the wheel before it last a lot... » Read More Hobart web site is the best to find good information. You can only use 100% argon gas. There are a number of tips that work. Clean material is a must. Have tools designated as aluminum only, hand wire brush and 4" grinder wire wheel. Also, practice on scrape. It is a really fast process, you have to weld faster than steel welding. You can push better than pulling the puddle. I as weird as it sounds you can well down hill easy. If you don't have Aluminum grinding wheels for your grinder. The aluminum fills up the wheel fast, but if you run candle wax on the wheel before it last a lot longer. You have to do it every few minutes. I hope this helps. Oh, keep a number of tips on hand. « Show Less
461503
Yes you can weld aluminum. You can use the TIG process for it, or stick with the proper rods.
870844
the size of wire to use is listed most of the time with the welder manual that you are using the spooler with. the smaller units can only use the smaller diameter size wire. when your not sure always use the smaller size wire, that way the wire will flow better, make take a little longer to make the weld. When welding aluminum 1/8 to 1/4 always use pure argon
241388
No this unit can not weld aluminum it is a DC Inverter unit only. It runs on ac power from the wall outlet but the inverter converts it to DC for arc welding. Hope this answer helps.
1929418
I think it would work fine. On high speed the unit moves the air quite well. If your welding with a shielding gas, it might pose a problem with weld quality. None the less, you have medium and low speed too! I'd give it a try. I'm very happy with my unit.
870843
Hobart web site is the best to find good information. You can only use 100% argon gas. There are a number of tips that work. Clean material is a must. Have tools designated as aluminum only, hand wire brush and 4" grinder wire wheel. Also, practice on scrape. It is a really fast process, you have to weld faster than steel welding. You can push better than pulling the puddle. I as weird as it sounds you can well down hill easy. If you don't have Aluminum grinding wheels for your grinder. The aluminum fills up the wheel fast, but if you run candle wax on the wheel before it last a lot longer. You have to do it every few minutes. I hope this helps. Oh, keep a number of tips on hand.
638120
I am not familiar with the rods you are referring to. The stick welding aluminum rods do work but not very well. Tig welding will not work as this is a DC only tig welder.
1096998
Quality is great. No rust. Aluminum becomes slightly dull with use due to oxidation (you want this to keep it passive). I use a Propane Burner... I am not aware of an electronic burner that works with an Aluminum Kettle, especially of this size (100qts is over 25 gallons)
2145158
Suppose to be.... I'm actually pretty impressed with it so far. I tried the other "red" import model and returned within days because of problems welds pretty decent aluminum & steel will see if it holds up
1185267
No its not suitable to weld much of anything. It will also Cost you more to setup for a tig package then it will to just buy a new lincoln welder.
173777
You can do Aluminum with this!!!! Most of these reviews do not know what the hell they are talking about. Is it an ideal Aluminum Welderer? NO! But, just because it is DC does not mean is can't do Aluminum. You will need to use Helium and clean the pieces immediately before welding. This is proven by the following vidhttp://youtu.be/H_DwA0vzKXI
1686779
I've never use it on metal. I bought this unit specifically to weld aluminum. I've never weld any thing before (metal or else). But I was able to weld very thin aluminum (1/8" and 1/16") aluminum. The chart settings are a bit off but with couple of minutes try and error, it works. I would choose one with many settings vs capped ones. Like I said above, it makes me almost a pro instantly.
1686776
I have welded plate and aluminum with mine. I purchased the spool gun also. It welds very good on either one. I'm using 100% argon with the aluminum. I'm very pleased and do recommend.
648255
yes, you need to get an aluminum spool, use argon only, no mix, and preheat the object being welded
723689
I have welded 1/4 so far I am new to welding and have not done a lot with it and have not had any metal needs thicker than that yet.
1808496
Absolutely, you'll be supprised with what this little guy can do! My friends have welded their pick-up tail gates together with this welder. You might have to take a little more time doing it but, rest assured that this is a quality product with making a beautiful weld. It's extremely portable and efficient. Don't expect to weld a car chassis but you'll weld 55g drums all day.