Welding Aluminum With Mig? A Little Help Please..

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Hello All,Yes, I am a newbie with mig welding. I've been reading and researching forthe last couple of weeks preparing to purchase my mig machine, and thoughtI had it nailed down to what I was buying until last night.I was going to go with the Lincoln SP-140T as my welder. I had everythinglined up as far as spool gun, and so on because I'm going to want to weldaluminum.As I was doing some more reading last night, I started to find more and moreposts in welding forums stating that 115V welders will not do much more thanweld aluminum foil at best, and that you need to go with a 220V+ mig welder.So, today I'm looking at the Lincoln Power MIG 180C. Am I heading in theright direction here?A little info....I will be welding mainly 6061-T6 aluminum, no thicker than 1/4, and usuallyin the 3/16 to 1/8 range.I also will be using the welder to fabricate mild steel go-kart chassis and thelike.In your seasoned opinion, will the Power MIG 180C get the job done or shouldI aim for a 200amp or larger mig?Thanks for any help and advice you can offer me.PatrickP.S. Great forum BTW, love the positive/helpful vibes here.
Reply:I would highly recommend a 200 amp machine. Our company has had a PM 250 with a Prince XL for 8 years and other than a few issues with simple wear and tear, it has been pretty good.  If you don't get it now you'll wish you would have down the road. Because it won't be enough once you start or ever need to weld thicker material.
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...coln+spool+gunEd 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:Okay, thanks guys...That's a pretty interesting post there Ed, looks promising with the 180C.It also dawned on me a little later that I might be able to just go aheadand stick weld some of the heavier aluminum with the Harris 26electrodes.Thanks guys,Patrick
Reply:That is good stuff.
Reply:My first question would be why a lincon? Just kidding... I was told a long time ago if you worry about it being too small now you will regrete it later. If you have the funds get the bigger unit the first time and you wont have to buy anouther one later. it will also weld alot better with the bigger units
Reply:If your target is 6061 and the thickness you quoted I would think you will progress your technique rapidly where you will want to spray aluminum.  I have only spray welded at the Lincoln School and other small samples, but the benefits are obvious.  You will need a more robust machine for spray.  My Power MIG 255 meets all my needs and I am currently in the process of acquiring a good gun to do aluminum, but we all are faced with cash as a pacing factor. I am sure some journeyman will chime in and give you some sound advice.