Clarke 220T MIG welds aluminum?

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I noticed that the materials listed under this machine says it can weld aluminum.  I was under the impression that MIG welding aluminum could only be done properly with a spool gun. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...4757_200324757
Reply:Nope-Spool Gun  just means easier for these little machines.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:If yer willing to spend that amount of money then go this route:http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...Product%20Pageand Hobart DP-3035-10 Spoolgun — Model# DP-3035-20Total cost is $1335.00Ed 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:You can weld aluminum with a push gun as with the machine your link describes but you really need a Teflon type liner and dedicated drive rolls. Even then push only wire feed will be a problem especially with smaller diameter .030” wire and soft 4043 alloy.Spool guns offer short wire travel from drive rolls to contact tip. So you can use smaller dia. wire and have fewer problems with wire feeding.There are also Push/Pull type guns available that damn near eliminate the inherent problem with aluminum wire feeding longer distances.Hope this helps.