New Here, Aluminum Welding w/Lincoln 140

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Hey guys,  I have a little lincoln sp140 welder.  Attatched is a pic of an aluminum chipper box on one of my trucks.  The guy who built it did a great job.  My business model changed and I am going part time.  The box is just way too tall, from the beginning really.  I am considering either cutting it down, or starting from scratch again.I have a Lincoln 110volt SP140 welder.  How do these small migs do with aluminum welding?  I understand they have spool guns for them, and the material is only 1/8 max.What do you think?Materials for a new one will be around 800, or I can cut this one down. Attached Images
Reply:Since alum is such a good heat sink, alum usually takes alot more heat to weld than steel. I've seen MM180's do 1/8" alum with a spoolgun, but the machine was pretty close to maxed out to do that. I don't think that your machine has the power to really do a good job on 1/8" 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:Cut it down yourself and have someone else with a bigger mig with a spool gun, or an ac tig, do the welding for you.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thanks for the replies.I'd like to have a different set of sides, maybe I'll make something up with some steel and skin it in the aluminum.  I've done it in the past but have yet to find a nice looking, and easy way to attach the aluminum sheet to the steel frame.This was my first style.  Heavy as you can imagine as I used steel I had around to save money.  Ironically its the size I'd like to go with now, except it sold.  This time around I can go with 1.5" tube 1/16 thick, instead of 2" tube 1/8" thick.
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Reply:The alum diamond plate stone protectors on my utility body are on with NAPA double sided tape from the body co. That can help reduce the number of fasteners needed. Just be sure everythings been cleaned well before hand. As far as the fasteners, pop rivits would be my 1st thought. They are simple to install, hold tight and don't work loose like screws.That or use this to justify buying a nice new 220v mig and spoolgun..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:Thanks guys!Do you think it would even have enough juice just to tack weld it together.  My welder LOVES when I bring stuff all tacked up, plus it saves a bunch of money.
Reply:I concur on the pop rivets.  Just build a new frame out of steel angle, and skin it in aluminum... joining it with pop rivets.  Quick, easy, relatively inexpensive, and well within the capabilities of your machine.  I personally think you're just spinning your wheels messing around with aluminum with that small machine.P.S.  You do stump removal?  I got a couple stumps I need ground out. Last edited by Leadhead1911; 10-21-2009 at 10:32 AM.Work HARDER, not smarter! ------------------------ Miller Bobcat 250Millermatic 251Lincoln Precision TIG 185Hypertherm PM 600Hobart 135 HandlerOxweld 400 FlameMaster
Reply:Iffin' I had a business that had that type of equipment a 240v machine with a Spool gun would already be in the Geerage- probably make yer Weldor unhappy but it sure seems like it would pay for itself in the long run.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Leadhead1911I concur on the pop rivets.  Just build a new frame out of steel angle, and skin it in aluminum... joining it with pop rivets.  Quick, easy, relatively inexpensive, and well within the capabilities of your machine.  I personally think you're just spinning your wheels messing around with aluminum with that small machine.P.S.  You do stump removal?  I got a couple stumps I need ground out.
Reply:Go to the user CP atthe top and put in your location. Maybe someone near you might be able to help out or give you a good deal..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:Thanks,Done!