Lincoln power Mig 180 with spool for aluminum or..?

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First of all hello guys and gals! Glad to be here and glad to be purchasing another welder, been a few years but excited! I am wanting to get back into welding and need a welder that can do light fab with steel and aluminum. I was looking at the Lincoln weld pak 180 HD, then decided to spend the little extra for the better product and get the power mig 180. I am wanting to do some work on my boat and will be using the spool gun with it. Anyone have experience with this particular welder and the lincoln 200SG spoolgun.Also is there a better choice for the money. Can get the welder and gun for 1000$ package. I am aware these are not the best choices on the market but a budget limits me, and I also know it will not give me the cleanest welds. Gotta work with what you have money wise!
Reply:Also what is the best choice for wire these days for these wire feed welders? Light sheet metal tubing, and aluminum to aluminum tubing also? I have not welded in almost 10 years. Out of the loop.
Reply:.030 Solid wire for the 180Ed 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:Over the weekend I watched 2 new Lincoln Pro MIG Welders sell for under $525.00 on ebay.  Originally Posted by czachary I was looking at the Lincoln weld pak 180 HD, then decided to spend the little extra for the better product and get the power mig 180. I am wanting to do some work on my boat and will be using the spool gun with it. Anyone have experience with this particular welder and the lincoln 200SG spoolgun.
Reply:The 180 will do a decent job on aluminum between 1/8" thick and 1/4" thick. I like .0303 and 035 wire. It's FAST welding, and not beautiful. It is ALWAYS a little sooty. But yeah, it will do the job. What I do when migging alum is preheat the first inch or 3 of area with a mapp torch for a solid 5-20 seconds depending on the thickness and size of part to be welded. It helps with making a hot start with the bead, and the strength and flow are both much better.Straight argon, set the gas around 17cfh.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.