Spool Gun for Welding Alu with MIG Welder

[Randall977]

I've been welding mild steel for a while with my Portamig 215 and now need to weld a small amount of aluminium - 1.2mm sheet butt jointed together. From what I read the best way to do this is to get a spool gun - is this right? Can I use my welder with this suspiciously cheap gun?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MIG-TORCH-EURO-TORCH-ALIMINIUM-WELDING-TORCH-SPOOL-GUN-/190780625772?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c6b69536c

Thanks

Christian

 

[GrahamGKD]

No personal experience of these, although I have watched previous threads with interest. I suspect you have to supply the 12v to drive the wire feed motor separately from the euro torch connector. Previous posts seem a bit inconclusive regarding the choice between a spool gun and just setting up the MIG normally with a Teflon liner. Some suggest the wire feed speed changes as the spool runs down. I will be interested to hear how you get on if you buy one for the Portamig.

 

[Randall977]

I've been looking at the liner option and also read about needing a separate 12v supply... The ebay gun is about 10% the price of others available. I need it for a small amount of work so don't really want to spend a lot and don't mind if it doesn't last that long...

Also considering brazing but I think the reality of this will be very different from the videos you see on Youtube...but don't mind practicing.

 

[malcolm]

The spool gun only reduces the chance of buckling and birdsnesting the wire. I've always gone with a plastic liner for occasional work.

Your aluminium ought to be thicker than 1.2mm, but even so it will be a nightmare with MIG. To thin. I'm putting V8 bodywork back together with TIG later this month. Would suggest finding someone with TIG for the job or use Easyweld.

 

[Randall977]

Thanks Malcolm, my other plan was to get someone with a TIG to do it - there area few specialist welders near me. Only issue is either I have to take the car to them or they have to come to me...