Why not a 110v for aluminum?

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Seems like there would be a high demand for a 110v machine specifically setup for aluminum. Should be able to produce for the same amount of $ as a mild steel unit huh?
Reply:AL soaks up heat like crazy. Only way to get more heat is more amps, bigger heavier transformer= more cost. Or have crazy heat like a TIG.Craftsman 230a Buzz-box,  Lincoln 140T & 180T, Century K2789, PUROX W202 O/A14" cheapo chop saw that cuts straight and square!A toolbox of the cheapest Chinese tools money can buy"Real" tools all old reliable Husky/Craftsman/Proto stuff
Reply:110 and aluminum.. No can do.....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:Originally Posted by wallythackerAL soaks up heat like crazy. Only way to get more heat is more amps, bigger heavier transformer= more cost. Or have crazy heat like a TIG.
Reply:It is a bit strange for my mind that it takes more heat for AL as it is softer and I think a lower melting point. I understand if it transfer heat better therefore loses at the puddle. I've tried pushing 3/64 on a Miller 175 not very successful I might add. Used argon, but pushing is the crapper for 10 unless it is really really straight.
Reply:It's just a better conductor or heat than steel is.  ( ever wonder why you rarely see a steel heat sink? )I've heard a few on here say to preheat it.  Myself, im not that great with Al .  I tried some the other day... was going to post pics, but figured I'd better not, lol
Reply:I have a Lincoln Precision TIG 185 and an ESAB Multimaster 260 with a spoolgun and you wanto to know what I use for 1/8" aluminum treadplate?I use a $200 Harbor Freight MIG unit that runs on 240 AC. It works great! I use straight argon and .030" 4043.It slings as clean of a bead as the ESAB using pulse. Run the heat 100% and keep the wire speed high. Start the arc with about 1" wire out of the nozzle using alot of push angle, otherwise you go through tips like crazy. Advance slowly to keep the heat high.I used to use a 120V Snap-On MIG with preheating, but the cheapo Harbor Freight unit works great without....surprisingly.
Reply:For the amperage level to generate the arc in the inert gas environment a 110v unit won't put the volts in at that amp level like a 240v unit.  You'll get an arc and will weld, but the weld qualties are marginal.  Looks good to the eye but just doesn't hold up.  I'm certain an electrical engineer could explain why this is.Regards,Clay
Reply:Originally Posted by wallythackerAL soaks up heat like crazy. Only way to get more heat is more amps, bigger heavier transformer= more cost. Or have crazy heat like a TIG.