Do I really want an arc welder?
#1
10-10-04, 10:32 PM
Do I really want an arc welder?
I'm new to welding... I've seen what appears to be a good deal on an arc welder (120/230 V 65/95 A) but I'm not sure if its right for me....
I would mostly weld aluminum to aluminum or aluminum to steel (if possible). It would generally involve thinner pieces/tubing or sheet metal and occasionally larger extruded aluminum parts. Is an arc welder what I'm really looking for? I thought so, but upon reading some threads in this forum I'm thinking maybe I'm supposed to get a MIG.... Does it matter for occasional hobby welding?
Thanks!
I would mostly weld aluminum to aluminum or aluminum to steel (if possible). It would generally involve thinner pieces/tubing or sheet metal and occasionally larger extruded aluminum parts. Is an arc welder what I'm really looking for? I thought so, but upon reading some threads in this forum I'm thinking maybe I'm supposed to get a MIG.... Does it matter for occasional hobby welding?
Thanks!
#2
10-11-04, 06:55 AM
Super Moderator
Robot Guy,
Aluminum cannot be welded to steel, only itself.
A TIG unit is the best unit to weld aluminum, a mig would come in second but may be a better all purpose unit for home use.
You would need a mig that can use shielding gas. You then would need two different gasses, one for steel and one for aluminum along with a liner and roller kit for the softer aluminum wire.
Aluminum cannot be welded to steel, only itself.
A TIG unit is the best unit to weld aluminum, a mig would come in second but may be a better all purpose unit for home use.
You would need a mig that can use shielding gas. You then would need two different gasses, one for steel and one for aluminum along with a liner and roller kit for the softer aluminum wire.
