Maxstar 200SD Aluminum

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Looking at a Maxstar 200SD and I was curious if I can use it with Aluminum.  I see it has settings for pulse and the manual doesn't say much about aluminum.  This unit is used, and I know they sell them from the factory with a variety of options.  I want to get into Aluminum welding is there something I need to look for specifically?
Reply:That machine has no pulse.Last edited by AKweldshop; 04-21-2014 at 05:47 PM.Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Unfortunately, that's a DC machine which means no Aluminum in the real world.  Unless you go helium DCEN which isn't too practical and quite expensive.
Reply:Oh that's the DX/LX Model.  D'oh.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255Unfortunately, that's a DC machine which means no Aluminum in the real world.  Unless you go helium DCEN which isn't too practical and quite expensive.
Reply:Yeah to do AC alum you want to jump up to the Dynasty 200 vs the Maxstar. The Maxstar 200 is a great machine, but it won' do alum..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I've been eyeing a Multimatic 200 for some time.  I may just get that.
Reply:Same issue as far as tig. The Multimatic is DC tig only so no alum tig. You can use a spoolgun and do alum mig though I believe. Note that the tig function on the Multimatic is 150 amps similar to the Maxstar 150, not the Maxstar 200..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:With practice, you can do aluminum. But it's going to be a heck of a learning curve, as DC welding aluminum is a little different and much more critical for prep and cleaning. As was stated, Helium would be the gas of choice (Heli-arc welding...) DC tig does a lot thicker material, as all the heat stays in the part. Bite the bullet, and get an AC/DC machine.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Typically you weld alluminum with AC, the maxstar is dc only. .. If it's TIG aluminum you're after i think you might as well sell that for a profit, you cna probably get more than 1/2 of it's retail if it's in good shape. Then get yourself a diversion 165 or synchrowave 200 if you don't have the cash to drop on a dynasty.