Mig/tig aluminum

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I am looking at getting a millermatic 180 so that i can mig aluminum, I do not know how to tig and i was told to stick with what i know how to do mig, My question is what is the difference in how the welds will be
Reply:What kind of AL projects you have in mind-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:I agree, what things do you plan to weld? That MM180 will weld 1/8", maybe 3/16" alum I believe. To do that you will be maxed out on wire speed and power settings. ( alum takes a great deal more power than steel to weld.) If you plan to weld thicker materials you will most likely need more power. It also limits you in how thin you can weld. You need to move very fast welding alum with mig and heat control is tough on thin materials.Tig gives you more control over the heat and filler. Again you need big amps to weld alum and need an AC/DC tig machine. My syncrowave 200 is maxed at 3/16"-1/4", but I can turn down the heat and do thin alum. ( well I could if I was better, the machine is capable even if I am not).Good luck.
Reply:Originally Posted by jerrymi I do not know how to tig and i was told to stick with what i know how to do mig,
Reply:I'd suggest this: less than 1/8" is TIG country. More than 1/8" is good with MIG. IMHO and YMMV 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:mig,GMAW and tig,GTAW are two different processes and are used on different welding jobs. A little reading is in order.  JGSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverI'd suggest this: less than 1/8" is TIG country. More than 1/8" is good with MIG. IMHO and YMMV
Reply:The projects i plan are outdoor furniture, maybe gates, side panels on my buggy and a 4 foot wide door for my shop. I was told my the guys at Miller the machince would do 14ga to 1/4 in a single pass. That is right in the range of my projects. Maybe the older 200 or the newer 212 machine. I am now questioning if the guys at Miller were hyping there products to muchHas anyone used any of these machine in these applications, how well did it work.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1Craig-The Spoolmate on my Passport Plus does 14g SWEET!!
Reply:Originally Posted by jerrymiThe projects i plan are outdoor furniture, maybe gates, side panels on my buggy and a 4 foot wide door for my shop. I was told my the guys at Miller the machince would do 14ga to 1/4 in a single pass. That is right in the range of my projects. Maybe the older 200 or the newer 212 machine. I am now questioning if the guys at Miller were hyping there products to muchHas anyone used any of these machine in these applications, how well did it work.