MIG spool gun for aluminum welding...

Discussion in 'Technical' started by mashori, Sep 4, 2012.

  1. mashori

    mashori Member

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    I have a MIG welder, wondering how well these spool guns work that you attach to the welder for aluminum welding. If anyone has any experience please let me know if worth purchasing.

    [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Magnum-100SG-Spool-K2532-1/dp/B000LPWIJK/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp"]Amazon.com: Lincoln Magnum 100SG Spool Gun No. K2532-1: Home Improvement[/ame]

    they are about $200, I can get a used one for $150
     
    mashori, Sep 4, 2012
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  2. Hawkco

    Hawkco Genuine Car Nut

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    I have no experience with that brand, but a spool gun is the best way to weld aluminum with a MIG. The aluminum wire is too soft to be pushed from the spool, inside the welder, to the gun through a 10 ft. of hose. I had problems with the wire bunching up in the hose regardless of how new a sleeve or the material of the sleeve. You will want to get a tank of 100% Argon for your cooling gas for best results.
     
    Hawkco, Sep 4, 2012
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  3. Dave B

    Dave B I like Mavericks!

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    Is your welder "Spool Gun" ready? I know mine is, that was one of the features I looked for when buying my welder, I want to build an aluminum boat!
     
    Dave B, Sep 4, 2012
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  4. mashori

    mashori Member

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    yes the welder accepts spool gun
     
    mashori, Sep 4, 2012
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  5. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    I have used a Miller spool gun set up a few times...Seems to work rather well. Takes practice and a good eye to get a nice clean even weld with a spool gun...
     
    Mavman72, Sep 4, 2012
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  6. Hawkco

    Hawkco Genuine Car Nut

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    Takes practice to get used to the weight, too.
     
    Hawkco, Sep 4, 2012
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  7. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    Yes yes...It is a bulky thing!!!
     
    Mavman72, Sep 5, 2012
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  8. groberts101

    groberts101 Member

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    if you're welding larger parts.. a slight addition of helium to the argon can really help with penetration and bead flow. Would'nt use it for more delicate work though.
     
    groberts101, Sep 6, 2012
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