Can I weld aluminum with this beauty, I´m still a little bit confuse with the terms, so I´m wondering if the stick function covers that. Thanks for your help
461503
Yes you can weld aluminum. You can use the TIG process for it, or stick with the proper rods.
598000
I assume it is good for stick welding because it works for my wire welder which outputs the same blinding arc; but I have never used it for stick welding.
1642991
Can you solder stainless? I don't think soBut a great question. I have always thought steel had to be welded
1760730
Personally I used this along with 4 micro-drops of JB Weld on all 4 corners... seems to hold up real well.. not sure if JB Weld is rated for that kind of heat though? Just thought I would share my info
2122677
The soldering gun works for solder base metals, steel, copper, brass, as well as gold and silver. It will NOT solder aluminum. Sure I have seen aluminum solder and flux....it doesn't really work all that well. This is not the fault of the gun, but the properties of aluminum.Harriete Estel Berman
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.
263397
I will say, "yes" you can weld 1/4 steel plate with this weld. Overall, it's not a bad machine however, there are some issues I have with it. Primarily it is the machines ability to provide the welding wire at a specific speed & the voltage/current as well. There's just something about these variables that fluxuate enough during a weld that make it difficult to get the penetration of your weld. What I've done is find my settings & then move them up slightly, problem is you'll blow right through then metal & thicker workpieces (like 1/4") you'll have it wide open. So yeah, it can weld 1/4", if it was for structure or a frame, I'd look elsewhere. I will say, "yes" you can weld 1/4 steel plate with this weld. Overall, it's not a bad machine however, there are some issues I have with it. Primarily it is the machines ability to provide the welding wire at a specific speed & the voltage/current as well. There's just something about these variables that fluxuate enough during a weld that make it difficult to get the penetration of your weld. What I've done is find my settings & then move them up slightly, problem is you'll blow right through then metal & thicker workpieces (like 1/4") you'll have it wide open. So... » Read More I will say, "yes" you can weld 1/4 steel plate with this weld. Overall, it's not a bad machine however, there are some issues I have with it. Primarily it is the machines ability to provide the welding wire at a specific speed & the voltage/current as well. There's just something about these variables that fluxuate enough during a weld that make it difficult to get the penetration of your weld. What I've done is find my settings & then move them up slightly, problem is you'll blow right through then metal & thicker workpieces (like 1/4") you'll have it wide open. So yeah, it can weld 1/4", if it was for structure or a frame, I'd look elsewhere. « Show Less
521527
I've had this welder for over a year now and would recommend it to beginners with two things to note. Your first upgrade should be switching from flux core to solid wire with gas. Flux core has it's purpose and is good in a pinch but gas is where it's at. Trying to learn how to weld on flux can be frustrating to the point of quitting, and what fun is that? Second, you'll eventually want to weld aluminum and that requires an expensive spool gun. I did see a video on youtube where these guys were able to weld aluminum with a smaller (6ft) gun but the results werent impressive. I'm not saying you can't MIG aluminum, I'm saying the final welds would look terrible and your cost for terrible looking welds is the cost of the spool gun and a new tank of gas! If you're looking to learn how to weld aluminum spend a little more and get yourself a TIG machine.
1808497
I am not a professional welder but have two of these welders (usually I hire someone to do my welding especially at my age). I can tell you this, I have an older 40' International bus with thick steel and the welder has successfully welded hinges and solar panels and racks and steps and pull-up bar etc. Unless you have a reason to do so, I would not buy that "other" type of wire that's kind of brassy looking (I made the mistake thinking it might be okay but that type of wire is for something with gas)....just get the cheap stuff on amazon or home depot or lowes or wherever and be done with it. I am not a professional welder but have two of these welders (usually I hire someone to do my welding especially at my age). I can tell you this, I have an older 40' International bus with thick steel and the welder has successfully welded hinges and solar panels and racks and steps and pull-up bar etc. Unless you have a reason to do so, I would not buy that "other" type of wire that's kind of brassy looking (I made the mistake thinking it might be okay but that type of wire is for something with gas)....just get the cheap stuff on amazon or home depot or lowes or wherever and be... » Read More I am not a professional welder but have two of these welders (usually I hire someone to do my welding especially at my age). I can tell you this, I have an older 40' International bus with thick steel and the welder has successfully welded hinges and solar panels and racks and steps and pull-up bar etc. Unless you have a reason to do so, I would not buy that "other" type of wire that's kind of brassy looking (I made the mistake thinking it might be okay but that type of wire is for something with gas)....just get the cheap stuff on amazon or home depot or lowes or wherever and be done with it. « Show Less
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
2075268
No Way! For soldering both materials to be soldered together must be heated, together with the soldering agent, namely, tin, lead, etc. Guns like this, as good as they are, for small stuff like wires and maybe jewelry, won't do big stuff. A flaming torch is needed for copper pipes and such, and you'll need an arc welder for steel anything larger than real small, thin stuff. For aluminum: I've never soldered, but I'm told "tig" welding is necessary.
1183650
You will get much cleaner welds with Gas, I am not an expert welder, but had much better results with gas. The welder ships with flux core wire for use without gas. I found it produced much more spatter and a less consistent weld pool than when welding with Gas.
316164
yes! i bought the welder to weld my pull trailor and it did well. this welder was suprisingly very responsive and did well. get the correct rods. a great buy.
50920
Not without a spoil gun and the correct gas. Your skill level and grade of aluminum will determine how strong your weld is. Eastwood sells this welder with the kit you need.
1686781
its a great welder. i mainly run it on 220volts. just welded up my frame and made hardcore plate bumper. very strong. i also had to make floor pans out of 18 gauge. the original pans were probably only 22 and some spots kinda thin. it did very well. half way through i ran out of wire and had to use 0.35 flux and still performed well. the settings are fine and honestly only use three of them one for thin another for exhaust and than all the way with thick. i mainly change the wire speed. i have ran at max for probably too long many times and no problems. only tricky thing was first setting up wire tension. now it never jams. overall love it its a great welder. i mainly run it on 220volts. just welded up my frame and made hardcore plate bumper. very strong. i also had to make floor pans out of 18 gauge. the original pans were probably only 22 and some spots kinda thin. it did very well. half way through i ran out of wire and had to use 0.35 flux and still performed well. the settings are fine and honestly only use three of them one for thin another for exhaust and than all the way with thick. i mainly change the wire speed. i have ran at max for probably too long many times and no problems. only tricky thing was first setting... » Read More its a great welder. i mainly run it on 220volts. just welded up my frame and made hardcore plate bumper. very strong. i also had to make floor pans out of 18 gauge. the original pans were probably only 22 and some spots kinda thin. it did very well. half way through i ran out of wire and had to use 0.35 flux and still performed well. the settings are fine and honestly only use three of them one for thin another for exhaust and than all the way with thick. i mainly change the wire speed. i have ran at max for probably too long many times and no problems. only tricky thing was first setting up wire tension. now it never jams. overall love it « Show Less
626539
I never tried using it for welding. I mainly use it for spray painting. Works perfect!
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.