Pulse MIG mainly for aluminium

[jimbo1962]

Hi
can I have a few recomendations for purchase of a new machine, for welding mainly 2-3mm alu but occasionally 6mm
what will I get up to about £ 2 - 2.5K?

 

[hotponyshoes]

Single or 3-phase?
Does it need to be portable?

 

[jimbo1962]

single and portable, sorry.

 

[carbon]

I think you may be looking at the wrong process, ac tig would be more suited for 2-3mm aluminium. I don’t have a pulse mig but others on here don’t recommend going below 4mm when mig welding aluminium.

 

[hotponyshoes]

I think you may be looking at the wrong process, ac tig would be more suited for 2-3mm aluminium. I don’t have a pulse mig but others on here don’t recommend going below 4mm when mig welding aluminium.

Pulse mig is great for thin alloy.
I've done 0.9mm with mine to see how thin it would go. Might have done thinner than that but I didn't have anything to try it on

 

[Tangledfeet]

@Hood

 

[Shox Dr]

I think you may be looking at the wrong process, ac tig would be more suited for 2-3mm aluminium. I don’t have a pulse mig but others on here don’t recommend going below 4mm when mig welding aluminium.

Depends on the length of the run. Id rather push 3m in with a Pulsed MIG than TIG it, esp at 6mm

 

[hotponyshoes]

Have a look in the mig section,
There are a few reviews on pulse mig welders, ewm and phaton at least

 

[jimbo1962]

I can get the Fronius for £2700 + VAT basic
but before I do that what results or performance can I expect with my ESAB Rebel 215 ic set up for aluminium?

 

[hotponyshoes]

The rebel is no better than any other mig on aluminium really.
Not worth the cost of the conversion in my opinion unless that's your only use for the machine.
Pulse is the way to go for the thinner stuff..

 

[hotponyshoes]

Having said that, I think I've still got the conversion kit for the rebel if you want to buy it!!

 

[jimbo1962]

Ive bought the bits and pieces, guide, rollers and dedicated lead for the conversion so I ll just see how it goes

 

[hotponyshoes]

Get yourself some copper bar or something to use as a back-up plate.
Have a go and put some pictures up and somebody will have some useful advice!