convert wire feed to weld Aluminum?

[illMATTic]

Can i convert my entry level wire feed welder so I can weld aluminum?


matt

[rock]

You probably can but you will need an argon tank.
Rock

[illMATTic]

it has argon already. do i use a different wire?

[Riverman]

Pretty hard to push aluminum wire. Most wire feed guns made for aluminum either have a spool on the gun or have drive rollers on the gun.

If the wire is .035 or over it could be OK. Also, I think you need AC to weld aluminum.

[Hottrucks]

you need to get a diff liner for your hose switch to argon also the rollers will need to be changed and the secret to it is to keep your cable as straight as you can....I have done a ton of this trust me ...what are you using for a machine???

[slamram99]

ya you need a spool gun. aluminum melts faster so the spool gun feeds wire faster. then you get aluminum wire.

[Hottrucks]

ya you need a spool gun. aluminum melts faster so the spool gun feeds wire faster. then you get aluminum wire.

not true..................if you ike I will get the model and settings off my machine......

[benski]

You will also need the adjustable timer for the gas cone and all that good stuff. Any welding shop worth their salt will be able to steer you in the right direction as far as equipment goes. If you go back and forth a lot between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, it won't be too long before you buy a second complete set-up.

[illMATTic]

well we have this older miller matic? at work. i wanted to add some braces to this setback bracket i picked up. i'll most likely just have somebody weld it for me. i cant see retro fitting the one at work for one or two uses.

thanks guys for the help.

[Riverman]

I have done a ton of this trust me ...

I have seen it done too, no doubt it can be done. Just not a job for a rookie.

[Instigator]

pretty sure I just change the wire, the gun tip for that wire, add gas and go.

[Hottrucks]

well we have this older miller matic? at work. i wanted to add some braces to this setback bracket i picked up. i'll most likely just have somebody weld it for me. i cant see retro fitting the one at work for one or two uses.

thanks guys for the help.

I think you are doing the right thing bring it and have it tig welded it's a much stronger cleaner weld

[Riverman]

I think you are doing the right thing bring it and have it tig welded it's a much stronger cleaner weld

TIG is always better, just slower.

[BarryStrawn]

What generally happens running aluminum wire down the cable is a birdsnest. The wire just isn't stiff enough to be pushed reliably. But it can be done if you don't mind stopping and clearing the jamb ups. As was mentioned, keeping the cable straight may help.

[jay1]

i have an 140amp bottom doller "el cheapo deluxo" 110.. and it welds alum like a pro.. without going to look ... there is two types of wire one is stiffer.. and i dont mean the differance in dia. there both .035 pushes through the metel liner fine so long as yer stretched out ... makes putting on a cone easy as 123 strait argon not 75/25 and crank up the gas pressure ,you wouldent even believe it was mig-ed