Miller spoolmate 100 for aluminum

[ukaviator]

I have a Millermatic 140 which ive been using now for about a year and really like.

After hearing repeatedly how difficult aluminum is to weld, it only makes me want to try and give it a go

Ive been looking at the Miller spoolmate 100 spool gun for a while now, which will work with my 140
Anyone on here using it?

Thoughts, comments, tips all appreciated

Thanks

 

[spressomon]

I have the 15A for my 252 and it works fine; however its not pretty and its not TIG . If I ever get my AC/DC TIG set-up I'll probably move the 15A gun downstream...but for now it fits the bill.

And I didn't have prior aluminum welding experience...everything I've welded has been non-critical parts/components up to 1/4".

The big dealio with welding aluminum, based upon what I've learned, is to have zero oxide on the mating pieces. You can't get away with anything less than bright shiny non-oxidised aluminum.

Like anything else go find a bunch of scrap aluminum and practice, practice, practice.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I have the 15A for my 252 and it works fine; however its not pretty and its not TIG . If I ever get my AC/DC TIG set-up I'll probably move the 15A gun downstream...but for now it fits the bill.

And I didn't have prior aluminum welding experience...everything I've welded has been non-critical parts/components up to 1/4".

The big dealio with welding aluminum, based upon what I've learned, is to have zero oxide on the mating pieces. You can't get away with anything less than bright shiny non-oxidised aluminum.

Like anything else go find a bunch of scrap aluminum and practice, practice, practice.

Do you use any flux? I seem to recall a product that you would spray on AL prior to welding that acted as a flux to remove oxides.

 

[spressomon]

Do you use any flux? I seem to recall a product that you would spray on AL prior to welding that acted as a flux to remove oxides.

I have not. Next time the need arises to weld aluminum I'll check it out. OTOH just sanding the oxide off and cleaning thoroughly did the trick.

 

[Pin_Head]

I don't think you would want to be welding much aluminum with a 140A welder. Even if you only weled 1/8 inch, the duty cycle at full bore would eat you up. Save your money and get a 250A welder to go with your spool gun.