I did a search , but didn't find an answer.

I am new to welding, learning as i go on a friend's machine. I wanted to do a very simple guage cluster bezel, but a friend of mine informed me that more than an aluminum spool is needed.

He said that i will need a new nozle, new hose, etc. because the aluminum will contaminate the stuff that has so far only been used on steel.

He went on to say that this weakens the welds.

Can anyone add some light on this issue?

Thanks!

A spool gun is the perferd method of mig welding aluminum. Aluminum mig wire will jam in all but the shortest mig guns. With a spool gun the feed is only 8-10".

http://www.mkprod.com/Images/Prince%20XL%20Spool%20Gun%20HD_500.jpg

I have a buddy that has a 4' gun and he getts away without a spool gun. I have a spool gun and love it.

is that the only consideration? or does that take care of the problems my friend put forth?

Yes I would replace contact tip and liner and nozzle. You will need a bottle of 100% argon as well. Clean the drive rollers with something like brake clean. How long is your gun?

Got JAM:flipoff2:

pretty damn long. i was just pricing those guns out and that might have to be a b-day/x-mas/anniversery present all rolled into one:rolleyes:




Originally posted by Old Scout
Got JAM:flipoff2:

and i am not sure i am getting that joke...

Originally posted by zakk

and i am not sure i am getting that joke...

From My first post:
Aluminum mig wire will jam in all but the shortest mig guns.:p

zakk-you will need a teflon liner to allow the soft aluminum to slide thru with minimal friction...... http://fostertool.com/techtips.html#aluminum

go TIG :smokin:

Originally posted by ZUK
zakk-you will need a teflon liner to allow the soft aluminum to slide thru with minimal friction...... http://fostertool.com/techtips.html#aluminum


hummm...that site gave the suggestion of using a thicker guage aluminum wire to help combat jams...thanks for the link