Attn: Welding crew

[steve_o1989]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

You're definitely headed in the right direction.

Mig can do aluminum, you just need a spool gun.

Tig's are big money at least in comparison.

Oh yeah, weld beanies will save your hair. Not neccessary but if the situation arises were you are welding right next to someone else(production mainly) you will count your blessings.

I agree with all of the previous statements lol.

Miller FTW

Spoolgun FTW

TIG FTW

BEANIES FTW!!!

Really when it comes down to the Red vs. Blue debate, it is based on opinion. Its like coke vs. pepsi. I for one prefer Miller, yet I own a Lincoln. They are both great products and if you choose the right machine to suit your needs, you will be happy with your purchase. Sure there are subtle differences between comparable models and you too may find you prefer one over the other.

Like said, in order to weld aluminum all you need is a spool gun. The reasoning for this is that aluminum wire is so much softer than steel, that it will not feed nicely through the liner if it is pushed from the drive roller in the machine. With a spool gun, the drive roll is right in the gun, so it only has to push the wire 8" compared to 8'.

If you are just beginning to get into welding don't go for a tig yet. That is a major investment and probably not something you will want to drop the cash into right away. Get yourself a nice mig and you will be able to do pretty much anything you can think of. When the time comes that you get really bitten by welding bug, then it might be more feasable to drop some cash on a Tig. Unless you are planning on doing manifolds, exhausts, Intercooler/piping work, you are fine with the mig. In actuallity any of those could be done with a mig too, you will just have less control and the results won't be as nice.

The beanies are self explanitory. I am pretty bad with not wearing my gear, but one time doing some overhead while sparks shower down was enough for me to learn to always wear my beanie.

Since this will probably be your first time really welding... Get a pair of leather welding gloves, a beanie, helmet, some mig pliers, wear closed toe footwear, and long sleeves if you are going to be doing a fair bit of welding and don't enjoy sunburns.