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Pulsed Aluminum Welding Recommendations
Posted on 8/7/20 at 10:38 am
Posted on 8/7/20 at 10:38 am
First post here, but looooong time lurker. I’ve decided to participate, especially in the Outdoor Board because there seems to be some knowledge to be gained here.
So to the point: I am looking very hard into investing in an aluminum welding setup so that I could build/repair boats, trailers, etc. I want to get a top of the line pulse-mig welding machine right off the bat, so that there will be no upgrades later. Any of you have experience welding aluminum with a pulse-mig? If you were to go into production, which setup would you buy?
—Booskee
8
Posted on 8/7/20 at 11:37 am to Booskee
I have not welded with a pulsed mig setup personally but I do spend a lot of time around aluminum boat builders. They almost universally run the big Miller machine with a 30A spoolgun. It is definitely the tits for welding aluminum
Posted on 8/7/20 at 11:44 am to DownshiftAndFloorIt
quote:
They almost universally run the big Miller machine with a 30A spoolgun
I don’t build boats and I don’t weld aluminum often but when I do need to around the farm this is what I use.
This post was edited on 8/7/20 at 11:45 am
Posted on 8/7/20 at 11:55 am to TheDrunkenTigah
Good stuff so far. I appreciate the responses.
Posted on 8/7/20 at 12:10 pm to Booskee
Aristo 4004i by ESAB
Anybody know anything about this Aristo Pulse mig machine, or about ESAB in general?
Anybody know anything about this Aristo Pulse mig machine, or about ESAB in general?
Posted on 8/7/20 at 12:20 pm to Booskee
If you don't buy the miller up front, you'll be wanting to buy the miller later. Just buy it now.
Posted on 8/7/20 at 12:21 pm to Booskee
Esab Rebel 235ci
Posted on 8/7/20 at 12:23 pm to Booskee
quote:
ESAB in general?
they're awesome.
Posted on 8/7/20 at 12:23 pm to DownshiftAndFloorIt
You never hear anybody complaining about a Miller, only good stuff. Their reputation speaks for itself. 
Posted on 8/7/20 at 12:25 pm to Carson123987
I’d love to have a Rebel, but not sure multi-process is the way to go if I’m working specifically with aluminum.
Posted on 8/7/20 at 4:23 pm to Booskee
I like the Pulsed MIG on 1/8 inch and up but I hate being married to one process. For thinner stuff it's tig all day for me. Not to mention if I want to weld some carbon together I just swap leads and tungsten and get to welding. Lincoln has come up with a multi process machine that is pulse mig compatible but i haven't welded with one yet. I have been a Lincoln fan for years. Lincoln Flextec 500X Pulsed MIG Multi Process
Posted on 8/7/20 at 11:31 pm to Booskee
I've always thought ESAB machines are better for finesse and easy set up on complicated stuff. Many welding shops I've been around have ESABs set in the corners for aluminum, carbon, light stainless, cast, etc.
Now the Millers are sitting out in the floor doing the heavy work on steel which is 98% of their work.
Now the Millers are sitting out in the floor doing the heavy work on steel which is 98% of their work.
Posted on 8/7/20 at 11:34 pm to angus1838
If I get heavy into Aluminum I'm buying a good TIG machine, nothing better. Pulse Mig looks to me like cheating and half doing the job. Basically looks like the pedal on Tig is built into the machine at the machine's mercy.
Posted on 8/7/20 at 11:57 pm to Sparetime
Nice feedback, thanks yall! I still have to save a bit, but wanted to start doing my research now. The TIG recommendation is noted, but I think time saved with the MIG would be a factor as well, wouldn’t it?
Posted on 8/8/20 at 4:22 am to Booskee
I have a syncrowave 250 tig and its a piece of shite. Blows the AC board regularly at $700 a pop. I'll never buy miller again. I use Lincoln exclusively.
This post was edited on 8/8/20 at 4:24 am
Posted on 8/8/20 at 6:44 am to Booskee
In no particular order the machine's I'd look at would be ESAB, Everlast, Lincoln, and Miller. I've got a Miller mig and am looking at upgrading and the Everlast MTS275 is what I'm considering. It has a 60% duty cycle running WFO and that is good for what I do with one.
Posted on 8/8/20 at 7:33 am to Barneyrb
We call those Neverlast. I have welded with a couple of them and every time have had a problem with something.
Posted on 8/8/20 at 3:42 pm to Booskee
Esab 260 multi master is what i have and it's best all around. I have all the millermatics also and they are great too.
You need to decide what you are doing, time frames each job will take you (duty cycle) and power source and do your homework.
If I were you, look at used sites and find one from someone that had the same wild idea you did, and realized it cost much more money to get set up correctly then most are willing to spend
Good luck
You need to decide what you are doing, time frames each job will take you (duty cycle) and power source and do your homework.
If I were you, look at used sites and find one from someone that had the same wild idea you did, and realized it cost much more money to get set up correctly then most are willing to spend
Good luck
Posted on 8/8/20 at 10:28 pm to WHATDOINO
Looks like some good advice right here. Appreciate it man
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