Copper vs Aluminum Windings

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Does it make a difference in the welding performance? I've been watching CL for a used AC/DC buzz box and have noticed lately there are some pretty new ones for sale, I am assuming the newer Lincolns have aluminum transformer windings and I am wondering if there is really a difference.Miller Challenger 172Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC 225/150Miller Maxstar 150 STLVictor 100CVictor JourneymanOxweld OAHarris O/ASmith O/A little torchNo, that's not my car.
Reply:Originally Posted by bigbDoes it make a difference in the welding performance? I've been watching CL for a used AC/DC buzz box and have noticed lately there are some pretty new ones for sale, I am assuming the newer Lincolns have aluminum transformer windings and I am wondering if there is really a difference.
Reply:If I have a choice, I'll take a copper wound  power supply over alunimun, regardless of it's weight. Perhaps I'm just old school.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Aluminum can corrode in a moist environment if the insulation is not perfect, and vibration, too many fumes or excess heat can lead to that. It does dissipate heat better though, so that's a plus. I'd say that how it is used and stored would be the biggest factors in its longevity; there would be no difference in how the two worked, until one stopped.
Reply:I'm no expert but copper is much better than aluminum. Sure they both get the juice thru, aluminum has to be of a larger gauge, but aluminum , does crack, and connections have to be properly prepaired and clean. There is only one reason they use aluminum, It's because it is cheaper for the maker......that is the bottom line "CHEAPER"
Reply:Originally Posted by 1awert1I'm no expert but copper is much better than aluminum. Sure they both get the juice thru, aluminum has to be of a larger gauge, but aluminum , does crack, and connections have to be properly prepaired and clean. There is only one reason they use aluminum, It's because it is cheaper for the maker......that is the bottom line "CHEAPER"
Reply:it also doesn't weight as much. so it would of been cheaper from them to ship it too2-Lincoln idealarc 250/250, lincoln 225 ac/dc welder, lincweld ac 180c, hobart handler 210, hobart stickmate lx 235/160, Hypertherm Powermax30local 26 I.B.E.W Electrician
Reply:Not always true 76gm, I look at it as more profit for the maker....
Reply:Your problem is, the manufacturers used to make copper wound transformers.  The inverter has basically filled the copper wound niche and meets their price range.  So the aluminum wound transformer welder is basically there to just fill in the low end of the market.  You can buy copper wound welders but few want to pay the price.