Aluminum windings

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I'm have an ancient welder that has served me faithfully for years.  Recently, a friend who seems to know more about most stuff than I do, told me my welder had aluminum windings.  I inferred from his tone of voice and facial expression that this is a bad thing.  I have plans to replace the old machine within the next few months but I am confused about aluminum windings.  I have heard Lincoln people say Miller has aluminum windings and I have heard Miller people say that Lincoln has aluminum windings.  I have heard that Hobart uses aluminum windings and that everything from the Orient uses aluminum windings.  Please explain how significant a consideration aluminum windings should be when selecting a new welder.
Reply:i dont know... you may want to post this in the electrical forum......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Much ADO about nothing.  Besides even if it was I don't know of a welder sold where the buyer can specify copper or aluminum.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:With Tailshaft on this one.  The drawback to aluminum isn't its conductivity, heat generation, or danger.  It is that these become issues when power is applied beyond the wire's rated capacity.  Copper is much more tolerant of this, which is why aluminum dropped in favor to copper for home wiring.  So long as the aluminum wiring is rated for the load required it's not a problem.  I don't see how this could ever be a problem in a welding machine.Kalroy
Reply:Aluminum is more sensitive to corrosion which is why it was dropped for cars as well.  But, it makes the transformers lighter.
Reply:Originally Posted by WillieBI'm have an ancient welder that has served me faithfully for years.  Recently, a friend who seems to know more about most stuff than I do, told me my welder had aluminum windings.  I inferred from his tone of voice and facial expression that this is a bad thing.
Reply:Originally Posted by AricIf it works for you, and has worked for along time, keep using its "bad" aluminum windings to weld stuff, unless it doesn't have features you want. There is always a better machine out there, but they ussually cost more money then the one you allready have.