hello together I'm looking for a Mig welding machine for aluminum plates between 3 and 4 mm to build a boat. would spend for the device to 1000 euro. What would you recommend ?
You’ll need something with a 4 roll feeder if you’re planning on MIG welding aluminium without a spool gun. Preferably something with some type of synergic interface, too. It’s not the easiest to dial in settings wise.
A GYS MonoGYS 250-4CS might be worth looking at, it’s a little over budget but it’ll weld aluminium nicely.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a 3M or shorter torch, the correct U groove rollers and a Teflon liner, it’ll make everything a lot easier!
similar to what Tom said. Ideally 250 amps rating, and a good quality 4 roll feeder with 3m gun and properly trimmed teflon liner. If you need a bit more reach, then possibly a compact machine like a gys multipearl 200-4XL would do for easy moving about, or you'd have to go to a push/pull or spool gun setup.
You'd get a good secondhand transformer for £500-600 in the 250 amps range like Lincoln/ESAB/Kemppi, then plus another £400 for something like a Tec-Arc spoolgun. Does it have to be single phase?
You'll struggle for even a good second hand push/pull setup on your budget. My money would be on a good quality mobile machine with a short torch, better than faffing with small spools all the time.