Occasional need to weld AL

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Folks,I'd like to occasionally weld aluminum.  I'm not sure I can justify the investment in a dedicated AC TIG rig.  I've been thinking about adding a spool gun to my MIG welder setup instead.Most of my needs will be thin plate or tube, generally not much heavier than 1/8".Other than the spatter (and having to change out guns), am I losing out on anything if I go the spool gun route to save a few bucks?Thanks in advance...Rick
Reply:What model mig do you have? Some just can't hack it.You might try this, as I did in my early days. Buy a very short gun, with a nylon/alum liner only for alum. Run the biggest 5356 wire that your unit has drive wheels for. It is hardcore, but it works.Last edited by shovelon; 02-14-2013 at 12:28 PM.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Spoolguns/Mig Aluminum is limited on the Thin stock to about 16g, anything thinner and you'll want a Tig machine.If you are still using the HTP160 then you are limited on amps @160, so you're range is really 16-11g(1/8")Mig Aluminum is not very purdy with a basic set up but it can certainly be done.$400.00 or so for the spool gun and a bottle of ArgonEd 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:Originally Posted by shovelonWhat model mig do you have? Some just can't hack it.You might try this, as I did in my early days. Buy a very short gun, with a nylon/alum liner only for alum. Run the biggest 5356 wire that your unit has drive wheels for. It is hardcore, but it works.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawI was thinking of trying this with my ESAB suitcase as it has a 4 roll drive. (Only bottom 2 r driven).
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonWhat model mig do you have? Some just can't hack it.You might try this, as I did in my early days. Buy a very short gun, with a nylon/alum liner only for alum. Run the biggest 5356 wire that your unit has drive wheels for. It is hardcore, but it works.
Reply:Rick, 160 isnt going to get you much, if anything. Basicly with the machine maxed out, you would be in the neghborhood of the thinnest aluminum welding that non-pulsed mig can handle. Not a happy situation to be in. Depending what kind of fabrication you are looking at doing, there might be other options that wont require a big investment. Material up to 1/8" is easily handled with a basic torch.
Reply:Curious what part of the state you are from Rick?A decent AC/DC tig is a nice investment. It won't depreciate much, once you learn and start tig welding you will find yourself using the MIG allot less! Your cloths stay cleaner, your shop stays cleaner, its quieter, and I think more fun!if your close you can run by and try it out.
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTCurious what part of the state you are from Rick?A decent AC/DC tig is a nice investment. It won't depreciate much, once you learn and start tig welding you will find yourself using the MIG allot less! Your cloths stay cleaner, your shop stays cleaner, its quieter, and I think more fun!if your close you can run by and try it out.