Lincoln 180 for aluminum?

[Newguy79]

Hi folks I am new to register here but have surfed and gotten great info from the site for a little while now.

My question is this:

I am looking at getting a Lincoln Power Mig 180c
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=42749


I have welded stick and also had a smaller 140 Mig by lincoln before it bit the dust some time ago.


Im pretty proficient at welding steel so Ill of course use this for that as well, but my main motivation for this new one is to practice for aluminum projects around the house. I was wanting to know what you guys thought of this unit for that use with a spool gun. Maybe this one to be exact:

http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=42749


I was hoping with the spool gun and a bottle of argon that it would do a pretty good job with some experince.

I realize aluminum is way harder, but Im willing to learn! Thanks for any help and advice! :)

[WET ROD]

BAKERSGAS.COM sells the Magnum 100 SG Spoolgun for $154.07. I own one, but have yet to use it. It's made for occasional use. Lots of plastic. Almost free though. I am interested in what the people with knowledge and skill say, also. (Greenhorn). I keep reading that Aluminum can't be effectively welded with less than 200 amps. ??? The few comments I was able to find prior to purchase were quite positive. A fellow had fabbed a glass carrier for the side of his service van. He liked it.

[partagas]

first thing is what power source are you going to use with it? Then what type of gas?

[Jolly Roger]

I haven't used the 180 yet, but have put a 155 seriously through it's paces. As in all day every day for days on end with no problems. I don't know where you heard that about aluminum, but it is wrong. Aluminum actually takes about the same amperage per electrode sizes as the corresponding steel electrode. I have used several 400 amp Tig machines welding AL and seldom ever got near 200 amps.

[DesertRider33]

Although we use 350-amp machines to weld aluminum at work, most of our welding is done around 40 to 50 amps. 200 amps isn't needed unless it's, well, needed!

[WET ROD]

http://www.weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=13589 The 200 amp stuff came from forum threads, when I was deciding which 180 amp mig to purchase. Lots of rants about not enough heat for Al and some saying that spray transfer was needed.(I didn't even know what that meant). I know pretty much nothing about welding. Lincoln seemed to believe that a 180 unit was fine for Al, and even went as far as producing an entry level spool gun, so I got both. Almost no reviews on the SG100 since it is relatively new and not used by pros. I would like to thank those who answer the trivial questions from people such as myself with little to no experience or knowledge. You help a lot more that you realize!!! This is great place to learn.

[Rojodiablo]

Wet Rod, the 180 will do a good job on aluminum with the spoolgun. Use 5356 filler rod, pure argon. You'll get stuff plenty hot with it. Since the 180 does not have so many options, like hot start features, etc. you'll have to just practice a bit, until you get the hang of making a good bead.

[Newguy79]

Thanks for the imput guys.....

partagas, Itll be pwered by 220V in my shop and argon for shielding...is that what you meant by "power source"?



Thanks again all!! :cool: