Least expensive setup that can still weld aluminium?

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Best thing I see so far is a longevity unit with spool gun ($450 ish).  Still, I could do my roof rack project with just a $100(ish) flux core unit if I would settle for steel.  Any recommendations?  (I don't want to go tig or 220 really.. Been down that route before. I didn't use the unit enough and never got good at tig)
Reply:Have a local weld shop do the welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by vwguy3Have a local weld shop do the welding.
Reply:Least expensive is going to Harbor Freight , eBay etc and buying one.    You will not be able to buy the aluminum for what you pay for a complete rack at one of those places.    Built right, the way you want it and cheap do not go together well.Just looked at some of your other posts, seems you have already heard this story.       You could buy my Goweld and run it of your welder and MIG the aluminum you want to try.    Cheaper than your original buying opting and this machine is mil spec made in USA.Last edited by soutthpaw; 11-10-2014 at 04:36 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by manitou Any recommendations?  (I don't want to go tig or 220 really.. Been down that route before. I didn't use the unit enough and never got good at tig)
Reply:Here's the least expensive set up you can use to do this build.http://www.jbweld.com/product/j-b-weld/Can't get any cheaper than that and no need for a 240 Volt receptacle.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauHere's the least expensive set up you can use to do this build.http://www.jbweld.com/product/j-b-weld/Can't get any cheaper than that and no need for a 240 Volt receptacle.
Reply:Originally Posted by manitouBest thing I see so far is a longevity unit with spool gun ($450 ish).  Still, I could do my roof rack project with just a $100(ish) flux core unit if I would settle for steel.  Any recommendations?  (I don't want to go tig or 220 really.. Been down that route before. I didn't use the unit enough and never got good at tig)
Reply:Originally Posted by manitou  Still, I could do my roof rack project if I would settle for steel.  Any recommendations?
Reply:You can buy an aluminum roof rack at those places?  Haven't seen one at harbour Freight
Reply:Steel is just heavy. Going to mount this on a 10' tall chinook RV roof and put the 90lb spare tire up there as well.
Reply:Originally Posted by manitouSteel is just heavy. Going to mount this on a 10' tall chinook RV roof and put the 90lb spare tire up there as well.
Reply:Aluminum roof rack welded up with a 120v Mig plus a 90 lbs. tire...almost as bad as the 120v welded car trailer as a first project.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Will just buy one from Amazon then (still looks like mostly steel as an option, but whatever). As for getting it up there, the rv has a ladder and I'm not retired.
Reply:I think an important question to ask here is are you looking for a roof rack or are you looking to learn to weld...www.FirehouseFabricators.comZachLincoln 210mpLincoln SW200Hypertherm Powermax 45xp2x4 CNC Plasma Table.
Reply:Get it fabricated for you.  Cheapest way out.30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:This is as about as cheap as it gets, Get some of those aluminum rods at northern tool. They make the nicest welds! Thermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:Bolts, nuts, and washers.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.