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Tig or Mig for 0.125 aluminum or thinner?This is my first post besides introducing myself in the introduce yourself section of the forum. This looks like a great resource and Im very happy that I happened upon it. Ok so Ive never Tig or Mig welded before but I am committed to learning. Im a realest and fully understand you dont master ether one in a short period of time, but you have to start somewhere.I build fab and modify Jon boats and Pontoon boats and when I have some welding to be done I outsource it. This is not a business I do it because its fun and it keeps me out of trouble. So this is my question. For thinner aluminum such as 0.125 and thinner whats the best way Tig or Mig? I only just want the best weld I dont care if one is more difficult than another, as I mentioned Im committed to learning so I will practice both. Is one superior than the other or is it more preference and situational? Im a sponge looking to soak up some knowledge
Thanks in advance for your replays. Dave
Reply:Tig for thin aluminum. Mig aluminum is tricky when working with thin material.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Ok thanks much appreciated,I’m guessing Mig is hotter and therefore a greater chance to burn through the thinner aluminum?
Reply:Here is some 16-GA aluminum I did with my spool gun. Attached ImagesDont pay any attention to meIm just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:16 ga alum is about as thin as most people can do with mig unless that are using a specialized high end mig machine designed to do alum mig.Tig is a better choice generally for alum less than 1/8" and is almost certainly a better choice below 16 ga..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:Beautiful CEPI would TIG thin aluminum. The whole thing of TIG is it gives you the best control over the heat. It will take a while to learn, start on carbon steel first.I save the spool gun for things that are too heavy for my 230 amp TIG machine.I have welded canoes. They are like tinfoil. Good luck.Real world weldin. When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Thanks David!Here is a 10-GA lap, and fillet weld done with pulse. I didn't move the gun at all, the ripples are all the pulse. Attached ImagesDont pay any attention to meIm just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:MIG works fairly well on 14 gauge and heavier . 4043 wire in .030 works much better on thinner aluminum. I like to use a steel backer clamped to the joint when possible, really helps with burnthrouh.Miller xmt304, Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:My best friend built his 18ft fully welded, smooth bottom duck boat with a mig welder and spoolgun.. 1/8" bottom and sides..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Hey thanks guys for the quick intelligent replies. I'm loving this sight............................................. ........................................I'm going to purchase a Eastwood TIG Welder 200 Amp AC/DC right after the holidays. |
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