Looking to MIG aluminum. SP-135 experienced users? 110 users?

[UofACATS]

I'm looking for some real world information on whether this set-up will be sufficient.

My "economy garage" has 110, so i'm going to run the lincoln electric SP-135.

http://www.weldingmart.com/mig_welder/mig_welder_sp-135_Plus_k2299_1.htm

The machine is fairly inexpensive, it would be set-up for aluminum only.

I'm posting to hear any feedback, get opinions, or whatever.

When you MIG welders weld aluminum pipes, do you use a 110 machine? 220/460??

Thanks for any feedback. Yes, I'm just learning how to weld (mild steel).

 

[Drastik]

i use a tig (heli-arc) welder with a spool gun attachment.. it looks like some kinda cannon from starwars. it comes out 100times cleaner and penetrates better than a mig machine.

 

[Drastik]

i read that link it said it came with L-56 wire...dont use that wil alum you will have to get some alum wire...i cant remember off hand which one we use at the shop...we have a weld wire cabinet with about 40 diff types of metals/alloys

 

[awdrst]

If you have never welded before you have chosen one of the hardest metals imho to weld. The best way to go about welding alum. is with a tig welder. You get the most control over the quality of the weld. You can do it with a mig but do not expect great results use argon only and backpurge. What are you looking to weld up? If it is possible to do the project in stainless steel i would go that route. You can pick up a tank of tri gas and some stainless wire and get some very nice welds with a mig. Also tig's are all 220 at least the ones i have seen an used.

 

[lasertim]

A friend of mine in high school had a small welder like the one you listed and bought the aluminum "package". It worked but it didnt even compare to a TIG welder.

IMO TIG is the only way to go when welding light weight aluminum. Spool guns and MIG kits are best for heavy duty aluminum fabrication. You will also have much better looking welds with TIG.

Of course though, a nice TIG setup will cost you an arm and a leg for everything and probably isnt practical for the weekend welder.

 

[UofACATS]

$

Thats the problem.

I'm aware of the benefits of TIG over MIG when it comes to aluminum. Just wanted to see if anyone was using MIG (110) to do i/c piping, and if the results were adequate. Would probably paint the pipes.

Right now I'm stuck because 110 is my only option.

I'll look into stainless..

Thanks everyone for the information.