What would you do?

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Right now I have a Lincoln PowerMig 180C that I LOVE. I want to increase my capability to include aluminum.Here's what I'm thinkin:A) Get a spoolgun and 2nd bottle with pure argon AND a plasma cutter, orB) Get a TIG (Diversion 165 for example) and skip the plasma for now....Money is of course an object so I can't do both the TIG and plasma at the same time.I'm gonna take a TIG course this summer at the local college but right now I have no TIG time at all. I am fairly decent at O/A welding however.What ya think?Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:go with tig and get a small oxy fuel set
Reply:Get the TIG!Have you looked for used stuff at the LWS? Maybe you could swing both?Yup
Reply:I would first ask, what type and size Alum are you planing to work with?  If you are going to do heavy Alum them Mig.  But if you are doing thinner I would go with Tig.  But like I said it all depends on what type of work you plan to do.
Reply:I would go with the TIG.  I have both AC TIG and a Spoolmatic spool gun, as well as an XR push-pull and Cobramatic push-pull sets for mig'ing aluminum.   I usually go straight for the TIG whenever I have to weld aluminum.   Now for out on the road, I am working on being able to use the Spoolmatic for aluminum from the truck.   Tig'ing aluminum in various outdoor windy conditions isn't my cup of tea.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:It really depends on how thick the Al is you plan to weld.  The Diversion could get quite frustrating if you weld 1/8 or greater.  It only has a 20% duty cycle at 150 amps. I have the pwrmig and spoolgun. It's just alright, but made me $25k in on job and have only used it one time since.  I think for Al it will do better that the Diversion.  I posted some welds and opinions on it a while back.I would hold out for a better tig machine and get the plasma now.
Reply:Option AEd 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:Spoolgun and plasma cutter for now.The spoolgun will still let you weld aluminum and the plasma will allow you to cut it (as well as mild and stainless steel).MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Thanks Gents. I've decided spool gun for now and see how it goes.Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:Kinda split decision, but I am with Duane and Brocccoli. If you are going to get a tig machine, save some money, and get one that will handle thicker material. Spoolgun and practice will reap lots of rewards for a long time, especially in accelerating your total knowledge of welding. And plasma cutters are the best thing since sliced bread, plain and simple!!And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:depending on what your going to be welding a tig may not be time efficiant. the appearance of the tig weld will be better looking than a spool guns weld unless you choose a power mig 300 from lincoln. youll be able to weld alum. with its mig but not with its tig. for some reason lincoln didnt give it an ac switch for the tig.