|
Speaking from experience...
Eli, the notion of "welding up an aluminum project" as in "welding up a steel project" are actually two entirely different beasts, hence the type of responses you are seeing. Yes you can mig aluminum similar to the mig process on steel, however you might note that the comments here don't exactly imply success. The typical requirement for this is a spool gun which is a costly device and generally only interfaces with more expensive CV (constant voltage capable) power supplies. Occasionally.... you can push aluminum wire through a conventional gun/whip with some of the higher quality mig drives, with the gun/whip stretched out straight.
Also note that aluminum mig requires pure argon shielding gas which is commonly used for TIG. MIG mix gas for steel won't work for the aluminum process and this is what's being sold with most all used mig machines.
mb911 has good advice. A basic TIG unit (must be AC capable) will provide basic results. As a result of the custom chopper shows on TV these basic tig machines are easy to sell and recapture most of your capital. Finding a used one is another story. Miller Econotig, Miller SD180, Lincoln Squarewave 175 are all good economy units for light aluminum stock up to 3/16" thick, or small bits of thicker material. You will also be able to weld steel and stainless.
Aluminum is somewhat fussy, but as far as I know these economy tig units come with VHS videos which will get you going.
Alternately, would a guy in a fab shop recognize the creation you are building? They see proprietary ideas all day long, and don't really care to copy these. They want to provide welding service.
Jim
|