So, you can't justify a grand on a DECENT ac/dc TIG machine (I say DECENT as there are now Chinese machines on the market for sub £500 - personally, I would prefer to risk 500 quid giving 30-1 odds that my bottom will heal up before I'm forty!!).
It CAN be done with most hobby MIGS & this has been well illustrated by some users of this site.
Firstly; Aluminium Wire (obviously) BUT there are 2 types (actually there are many but no need to get into that). 5356 Type = General Purpose ie. Sheet aluminium & box aluminium etc.
4043 = Cast & Wrought aluminium (cylinder heads etc.)
So, choose the correct wire. GAS = PURE ARGON (NO, CO2 will NOT do).
You first need to prepare the joint, with a STAINLESS STEEL wire brush give it a good scrub until it is nice & shiney. (Mild steel brushes contaminate the Aluminium).
With a conventional type Hobby MIG 130amps is usually good up to about 3mm Max. Aluminium. You need to UP the Amps & really UP the wire feed - you need to get it in FAST. If you keep the wire speed & amps at a normal steel type setting you will find that it just 'bunches up' on top of the work piece. As with all types of welding, have a go on some pieces of scrap first!
Straight Gas-Less machines are no good for Aluminium (or Stainless welding) & you MUST have an ARGON gas supply.
weldequip
It CAN be done with most hobby MIGS & this has been well illustrated by some users of this site.
Firstly; Aluminium Wire (obviously) BUT there are 2 types (actually there are many but no need to get into that). 5356 Type = General Purpose ie. Sheet aluminium & box aluminium etc.
4043 = Cast & Wrought aluminium (cylinder heads etc.)
So, choose the correct wire. GAS = PURE ARGON (NO, CO2 will NOT do).
You first need to prepare the joint, with a STAINLESS STEEL wire brush give it a good scrub until it is nice & shiney. (Mild steel brushes contaminate the Aluminium).
With a conventional type Hobby MIG 130amps is usually good up to about 3mm Max. Aluminium. You need to UP the Amps & really UP the wire feed - you need to get it in FAST. If you keep the wire speed & amps at a normal steel type setting you will find that it just 'bunches up' on top of the work piece. As with all types of welding, have a go on some pieces of scrap first!
Straight Gas-Less machines are no good for Aluminium (or Stainless welding) & you MUST have an ARGON gas supply.
weldequip