Also what is the best choice for wire these days for these wire feed welders? Light sheet metal tubing, and aluminum to aluminum tubing also? I have not welded in almost 10 years. Out of the loop.

 

.030 Solid wire for the 180

 

Over the weekend I watched 2 new Lincoln Pro MIG Welders sell for under $525.00 on ebay.

I was looking at the Lincoln weld pak 180 HD, then decided to spend the little extra for the better product and get the power mig 180. I am wanting to do some work on my boat and will be using the spool gun with it. Anyone have experience with this particular welder and the lincoln 200SG spoolgun.

I've been looking at the same Lincoln Power MIG 180 at Lowe's for $669.00 + tax.. Then I found a place on ebay that sells new Spool Guns to weld aluminum. The price is $197.00 with free shipping.

Here's a link. ebay- Lincoln Magnum 100SG Spool Gun

Also is there a better choice for the money. Can get the welder and gun for 1000$ package.

I've also been looking at a Hobart Handler 190 package with a Spool Gun for $815.97.. The price is the same at Amazon & Northern Tool. They also have it at Tractor Supply, but its online only.

I'm thinking more about buying the Hobart package.

 

The 180 will do a decent job on aluminum between 1/8" thick and 1/4" thick. I like .0303 and 035 wire. It's FAST welding, and not beautiful. It is ALWAYS a little sooty. But yeah, it will do the job. What I do when migging alum is preheat the first inch or 3 of area with a mapp torch for a solid 5-20 seconds depending on the thickness and size of part to be welded. It helps with making a hot start with the bead, and the strength and flow are both much better.
Straight argon, set the gas around 17cfh.