Spoolgun Help for Alum

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Wanted to get opinions on a spoolgun for Aluminum. I've been reading lots of threads here on the subject. I read where they are no good for Alum that is less than 14ga. in thickness.  I don't really see the need to spend the money on a TIG machine because I wouldn't use it enough to justify buying one.  The Aluminum i'll be working with will be 1/8" thick mostly and then maybe 3/16-1/4 sometimes.Do you think a Spoolgun like a Miller Spoolmatic 30A etc. would be good for this or not. They are not cheap thats why i wanted to get some advice beforehand. Are there any spoolguns that are CRAP that I need to stay away from?I have a Miller 252 that i will be running the gun from.I do know they are faster than TIG, welds may not look AS good, and are limited to certain thicknesses they can weld, but Im Not welding Beer cans together here by all means.Mosty 1/8 thick etc.Also, I guess I can weld Stainless with this gun also, right. Just need different gas. Might be easier than changing wire on my 252 all the time...ThanksChad
Reply:Ive put a fair amount of time in behind a 30A and its a nice product.  Could be better but I doubt you will be disappointed.  Its perfect for 3/16-1/4" material and im sure if you get the right wire size and get good with it you can run 1/8" all day.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Hello Chad, have to agree with 7A749 on his suggestions here. Definitely check out E-bay or Craigslist for some used 30A's before necessarily going with new. Also, if you have a Redi-Arc facility in your area check with them to see if they are cycling out any of their used ones. Which ever way you end up going the possibilities mentioned above could be a good resource to provide you with a nice set-up for handling your aluminum welding needs. 30A's are very resilient in their design and function and they also have a lot of different options available as far as neck/head choices to provide you with good access when you have clearance and comfort issues. Their parts are also readily available and the service behind them is generally first-rate. One final thing, as 7A749 said, they are plug and play. So you plug it in to use it and when you are done you can un-plug it and put it away, no fiddling, no fuss. A bit more to consider. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Thanks guys for all the info.  Like i said 1/8 aluminum is gonna be what I use mostly. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't to thin. Its rated for 14ga. 1/8 isn't that far off and I know how companies like to fudge a little on their ratings!What tip size/wire size should I be looking at for this??? 100% Argon, right.Friend of mine is trying to sell me what appears to be a spoolmate 3035 or 100 but its an earlier 2003 model of that I think for $200. The thing is it won't plug up to my 252 unless I buy some sort of jumper etc. Probably won't be the way to go...Seems as if I can buy a 15A new at $850 if I didn't want the longer cables.Looked at Ebay, could save money there on a 30A if I go that route.Main thing I guess is making sure it will work for my application 1/8 Alum and not have any trouble once its setup right.
Reply:Hey chadwick,The guys have given you good advice & suggestions, & I'll just add a few more notes that may enhance your desire for a spoolgun. I have (2) of the 3035's, one in the shop & the other mobile. The ability to change wire size & grade for multiple applications is extremely beneficial. To give an example, I was mobile out on a company's equipment site doing repairs & had repairs with 5356 alum., ER70S-6 steel, & Lincoln NR211 flux core all in the same day. I used my spoolgun for everything they threw at me & the $$$ was absolutely superb. After (5) hrs there, I had a stop at a local firehall to repair some cracked welds on their ladder truck so it would pass the inspection certification. Again....nice $$$, although I donated 1/2 of the fee back to the firehall. They were very pleased & besides, they really send me a lot of work..... so it all comes out in the wash. Do yourself a favor.... get one.... you'll like it.Just as note, I use 100% AR on all alum., & 75/25 or 80/20(AR/CO2) with 70S-6. I do have a flux-core nozzle for my s/g to keep it clear & clean. Also, use a .005 larger tip with alum, .035 wire= .040 tip. I also made a spoolwinder to rewind my empty spools because I use a lot of 2# spools monthly. Hope this encourages you.... let us know....     DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Not only is the spoolmatic 30A a well made, awesome working gun. It is also a fairly easy to gun to adapt to almost any CV power source. My truck was stolen over labor day weekend and I lost %95 of my equipment and no insurance. One of the things I did not loose, because I was lazy that night and didn't put it away in the truck, was the Spoolmatic 30A. It now does aluminum MIG and derives it's power from a Hobart Beta MIG made in the early 90's, and yes, the machine can switch back and forth between the spool gun and .035 hard wire.Anyone want to know how to do it, just ask.Bill LambertArgon WeldingABQ NMhttp://www.argonllc.com
Reply:Thanks for all the advice everyone. im almost there.Do any of ya'll weld on 1/8 alum?  Reason for asking is I read LOTS of post about 3/16-1/4 alum and up with the mig process. I don't think Ive see a post where people are working with 1/8. Just want to make sure im not gonna spend a bunch of money and get poor results on this thickness. BTW sorry to keep pushing this question, its just this is what I'll be using it for mostly.This is my first time messing with alum and a spoolgun. I just want to get all the info upfront before i make a run at this.
Reply:Also just to add to the above post, i'll probably be welding on 3003 or 6061. I believe these are among the most common. Its mostly ornamental stuff. Nothing really structural.  Might even build a cab for my yamaha rhino while im on the learning curve with Aluminum. I don't know if either one of those weld better or give less trouble. Probably as long as you have the right wire for what your welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by yorkiepapHey chadwick,The guys have given you good advice & suggestions, & I'll just add a few more notes that may enhance your desire for a spoolgun. I have (2) of the 3035's, one in the shop & the other mobile. The ability to change wire size & grade for multiple applications is extremely beneficial. To give an example, I was mobile out on a company's equipment site doing repairs & had repairs with 5356 alum., ER70S-6 steel, & Lincoln NR211 flux core all in the same day. I used my spoolgun for everything they threw at me & the $$$ was absolutely superb. After (5) hrs there, I had a stop at a local firehall to repair some cracked welds on their ladder truck so it would pass the inspection certification. Again....nice $$$, although I donated 1/2 of the fee back to the firehall. They were very pleased & besides, they really send me a lot of work..... so it all comes out in the wash. Do yourself a favor.... get one.... you'll like it.Just as note, I use 100% AR on all alum., & 75/25 or 80/20(AR/CO2) with 70S-6. I do have a flux-core nozzle for my s/g to keep it clear & clean. Also, use a .005 larger tip with alum, .035 wire= .040 tip. I also made a spoolwinder to rewind my empty spools because I use a lot of 2# spools monthly. Hope this encourages you.... let us know....     Denny
Reply:Hey chadwick,Most of the crafts I make are with 1/8" 6061 & I use .035 5356 because it's a bit stronger & feeds easier. Although with a spoolgun, 4043 will feed easily also. When I am on a production run with multiple items, I use the MIG as it's more cost effective. All the classic/show car alum. accessories are TIG for the aesthetics. Here's a couple of things I make & sell.... all 1/8".      Denny Attached ImagesComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Hey smaw,Here's the winder I made from an old mini-blind cutter that I got from an auction at a hardware store going out of business. There were (2), & I wish I would have gotten the second one as I only paid $10 for it. I removed all the blind attachments & made a tube shaft on the lathe. It a 350rpm reduced cog-belt setup & has tremendous torque. Winds a 2# spool in less than a minute. I guide it with my gloved finger & thumb & just gently rock my wrist back & forth. Not hard, although I practiced a bit. I also read other members on forums who use their lathe with great results. Just another tip. Since 33 & 44lb spools are very economical for stock to rewind the 2# spools, it will save $$$..... & everyone wants that. Here's some pics....       Denny Attached ImagesComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Thanks Denny!  Appreciate the info and pics.  I have heard of people also using fishing reel line filling setups to accomplish this also, but they werent able to use the large reels as yours does.  Nice setup!A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A