need advice?

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I am somewhat up a creek here.  I took on a job, due to a friend saying I could borrow a spool gun from him. Well it's been two days and I have not been able to reach him.What kills me is I have to have the job done by Friday.  And the only two welders I have available are both POS.  1) is a Hobart 125 and the other is a Harbor Freight Tig.  Here is where I need advice.  Should just use the HF box and try to DC Tig weld Alum. with 100% Argon?Or should I get a box of rod and stick weld it?I hate being stuck like this.  I am trying to see if I can reant a Tig, but again I have to wait....Any advise would be great,  Thanks guys.
Reply:sub it out to another welder and make a few bucks and never rely on anyone else but yourself...
Reply:That little tiggy won't do aluminum. DC tig aluminum works best on thicker aluminum. Either rent a machine, or tell the customer the truth; your eqipment will not handle the job, so you have to pass on it. The problem will be: Can you rent a machine and not loose too much money? It's one thing to do the job for zero profit because you want to keep your word, it's another thing altogether to lose $500 because you were trying to do somebody a favor and it comes back to bite you.If you are short of money, and were taking the job to cover some bills-going backwards won't help your situation.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.
Reply:This is funny (well not really) the same thing happened to me. A buddy has a spool gun and we worked out a rental/borrow/trade agreement about it when it looked like I had and aluminum job lined up. The day I go to get it he says "didn't I tell you it's in the pawn shop right now, and I don't have the coin to get it out".Uh, no you didn't tell me.I was able to muddle through with my old Century and some 5356 wire, but as soon as I could I bit the bullet on a Millermatic Passport Plus and Spoolmate 100. That won't happen again.Brian LeonardAppalachian Ironworks L.L.C.434 Long Branch Rd, Marshall, NC 28753828 649 9966828 702 [email protected]
Reply:What is the job? Gas weld it.... I did a few aluminum jobs before I was able to pick up a TIG
Reply:Partagas, I don’t rely on other people and have never been disappointed. When the opportunity comes by, get yourself a spool-gun and practices time.In the mean time, you could change the liner to a Teflon coated liner and weld away.
Reply:Thanks guys.  I got hold of a rental.  I am going to rent a dynasty 200 with whole setup and gas for 100.00 and cost of Argon.  If everything works out I should still make a 1 and a half to 2.  Just have to work my but off to make the dead line.  But that is what makes it fun.
Reply:Glad to hear you worked it out.
Reply:Cool.  I didn't know any place rented Dynasty's.  You're much better off with they Dynasty anyways.   I doubt a spool gun would have been very successful with your 125 Hobart.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:actually if your aluminum is thin DCEP will work well on it. 5/32 tungsten at about 65 amps really makes a beautiful bead on something 1/8" or below.
Reply:oh yeah i was meaning to ask, you are a fan of partagas cigars i take it?
Reply:Originally Posted by El_Lloydeooh yeah i was meaning to ask, you are a fan of partagas cigars i take it?
Reply:have you tried the cubans or just the dominicans? the only cuban partagas ive had were serie d#4 and wow! the limited reserves were my favorite dominicans by far. i have another email thats kingcohiba haha
Reply:I spent a week in Havana, and a week in the DR.  So I have had both.  But over that last few years, I have only been able to get DR. I have yet to have a bad Dominican as long as it has a Connecticut wrapper.And I also enjoy Cohiba's.Something just sitting on my desk. Attached Images
Reply:there is a place in madrid that will get them to you at a pretty good price too. i havent ordered any in several years though.