How to MIG Weld Aluminum: Spool Gun Aluminum Welding for Beginners

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  • čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
  • A walkthrough of aluminum MIG welding from square one covering equipment, settings and technique.
    Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), also known as Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Metal and Gas (MAG) and Wire Feed Welding can be used to weld a wide variety of aluminum parts when done with the right setup and technique. In this video, I demonstrate dialing in the aluminum welding process using a spool gun on a basic MIG welding machine.
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  • Věda a technologie

Komentáře • 311

  • @kevwallace6628
    @kevwallace6628 Před 3 lety +198

    Dude, just did a simple 2F weld test, and I was watching your video before I went in, you going ‘back and forth’ motion allowed me to ace my test. Smoked it! Never welded aluminum before either

    • @heffegaming
      @heffegaming Před 3 lety +26

      Lmao I’m doing the same shit rn I’m outside the place 😭😭

    • @kevwallace6628
      @kevwallace6628 Před 3 lety +2

      @@heffegaming haha, goodluck! Do what he did

    • @kyleclarke1896
      @kyleclarke1896 Před 2 lety +1

      Quick question what is a 2f test ?

    • @kevwallace6628
      @kevwallace6628 Před 2 lety +8

      @@kyleclarke1896 2F is fillet weld, 2G is groove (meaning root pass)

    • @kyleclarke1896
      @kyleclarke1896 Před 2 lety +1

      @@kevwallace6628 ohhh Okok thank you 🙏🏾

  • @charlesh1735
    @charlesh1735 Před 4 měsíci +3

    I used to weld aluminum McDonald’s arches together that would be mounted on a swing arm that set a top a 3/8” thick 4” pole that was at every McDonald’s in the world. I pumped out 65 to 80 pieces a day using a cobramig 300 push-pull with argon gas. I could change my amperage and WFS right from the gun! While I was using the most cost effective way to pump out more pieces,I remember the older guys using the electrode tungsten guns with filler rods to weld their signs. I remember one old school welder in his early 60’s told me one day,young man you better learn to weld the tungsten way with a filler rod. Because one day you will have no other option. Well guess what? He was right,I have a welding test Monday for a new job and it’s been since welding school about 15 years ago since I used a tungsten electrode with a foot pedal and filler rod. But hopefully by watching your videos it will brush up my Tig welding skills.

  • @warrenrodgers6876
    @warrenrodgers6876 Před 3 lety +50

    Thanks for your help with mig welding aluminum.I’m a lifelong welder of 59 and I still try to learn something about welding everyday👍God bless🇺🇸

  • @wilsondelosreyes5335
    @wilsondelosreyes5335 Před 3 lety +14

    TimWelds, you're so good a teacher and in doing easy-to-learn presentation. Thank you so much! Please just continue doing your passion for us followers.

  • @marcoshernando6120
    @marcoshernando6120 Před 2 lety +18

    At last!! Someone that actually explain with examples the adjustment!! Great Job. Thank You 😃

  • @algordon5843
    @algordon5843 Před 2 lety +27

    The most comprehensive concise and practical videos on CZcams for a beginner.
    That's my considered opinion after watching a couple of hundred hours of videos over the past 6 months.
    THANKS MATE
    Your blood is worth bottling!

  • @MiklaDfar
    @MiklaDfar Před 3 lety +5

    VERY nice... simple, articulate and to the point... one of the better videos I've seen on MIG welding AL.

  • @matthewmyers7440
    @matthewmyers7440 Před 2 lety

    I haven't welded aluminum in years and randomly got moved into a fab spot where I work and this was a nice little refresher to watch on lunch. Appreciate it!

  • @johnnyg5790
    @johnnyg5790 Před 2 lety +1

    Starting a new job mig welding aluminum. This video gave me a lot of confidence!

  • @andrewjschutz
    @andrewjschutz Před 2 lety +1

    First time watching this guys videos and I already got to express I love his attitude! I’m gonna be checking out more of this dude for sure.

  • @davepiotrowski1992
    @davepiotrowski1992 Před 2 lety +8

    Interesting video. I was told from a mate that you can't weld aluminium with a MIG welder, you need TIG. So, really, with a different alloy gun and wire for you can. Great stuff. 👍

    • @codysmith3404
      @codysmith3404 Před 2 lety +1

      Ya your mate doesn't know what the fuck hes talking about

  • @MattheuD
    @MattheuD Před 2 lety +2

    This helped me remember how to weld after 10 years not welding alum. Passed weld test. Thank you!

  • @TempleThomas
    @TempleThomas Před 3 lety +4

    Just got my spool gun - thanks for the help.

  • @somanynamesilltrythis0180

    Thanks for posting this video, it's really helpful. I'm gonna try to do some aluminum welding tomorrow for the first time, so I appreciate all the advice.

  • @karlgreene8489
    @karlgreene8489 Před 3 lety +3

    Nice job I can understand everything you are laying down thank you!

  • @PrimalOutdoors
    @PrimalOutdoors Před 2 lety

    Thanks this was very clear and useful
    Jason

  • @dddddmorgan
    @dddddmorgan Před 3 lety +7

    Looking forward to seeing that H.F. gun get put to use, that's my all purpose machine. Just got my aluminum spool gun and I appreciate the info.

    • @kevinragsdale6256
      @kevinragsdale6256 Před 2 lety

      You can run aluminum on that with no spool gun, I do it like that.

  • @jdduddy614
    @jdduddy614 Před 3 lety +2

    This is a great video. Just simple welding.

  • @adamfreeman6679
    @adamfreeman6679 Před 3 lety

    I just ordered the Hobart 240 ironman hopefully this video helps me learn to weld Aluminum.

  • @ausfrog381
    @ausfrog381 Před 3 lety +1

    Absolutely great video explaining everything

  • @mkeyser
    @mkeyser Před 2 lety +2

    Really great info Tim. To start your weld try using a sacrificial piece to arc to then lead into your project, I learned that tip from a welder on youtube.

  • @cowabungask8r
    @cowabungask8r Před 3 lety +5

    As long as Tim’s making these videos nobody else needs to make welding videos. There’s no point, He’s got this on lock. Great filming, explanation, and welds.

    • @grahamkameron3248
      @grahamkameron3248 Před 2 lety

      I guess Im asking randomly but does someone know a tool to get back into an instagram account..?
      I was dumb lost my login password. I would love any tricks you can give me.

    • @leandrojason1387
      @leandrojason1387 Před 2 lety

      @Graham Kameron Instablaster =)

    • @grahamkameron3248
      @grahamkameron3248 Před 2 lety

      @Leandro Jason i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out atm.
      Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

    • @grahamkameron3248
      @grahamkameron3248 Před 2 lety

      @Leandro Jason it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D
      Thank you so much, you saved my ass :D

    • @leandrojason1387
      @leandrojason1387 Před 2 lety

      @Graham Kameron No problem :)

  • @jeepcj3b436
    @jeepcj3b436 Před 2 lety

    I've watched several of your videos. Very good series - I'm learning a lot - thank you.

  • @mistermac4118
    @mistermac4118 Před 9 měsíci

    Thank you for some basic advice on the various settings, it was very helpful.

  • @MrPatdeeee
    @MrPatdeeee Před 3 lety +2

    VERY good kind Sir. You "cut to the chase". And that is rare and I learned a lot without waiting forever. Thank you.

    • @mikesapp3241
      @mikesapp3241 Před 2 lety

      Yes instead of 60 seconds of bullshit looking at the camera. Just do the damn thing and quit talking about subscribing.

  • @chrismitchell45
    @chrismitchell45 Před 3 lety +5

    I just picked up a “new old stock” Klutch 200iDV Multi process welder with Mig(flux and gas)DC Tig, Stick and SPOOL GUN for $300 from Northern Tool!!! Wouldn’t you know it, that eavesdropping, internet AI puts this video in my feed today 😂 Great video as usual, can’t wait to try the spool gun!

    • @kevinragsdale6256
      @kevinragsdale6256 Před 2 lety

      I got a titanium 200 for $200 new in box, and was so excited because it could do tig. Then I realized it won't tig weld aluminum.

  • @NN-cw9rb
    @NN-cw9rb Před 8 měsíci

    Great video with excellent tips. Makes welding aluminum look not so scary. Thank you for your time!

  • @larrydesantiago5206
    @larrydesantiago5206 Před 3 lety +5

    Appreciate you and this video man! Got my sub

  • @e90julien
    @e90julien Před 2 lety

    wow. you have such high quality content. can't believe I've never found this channel before

  • @toddeich333
    @toddeich333 Před rokem

    Really like the way you went into detail. Thank you.

  • @nahbro5520
    @nahbro5520 Před 2 lety

    Hey Tom great video! Finally found someone with the identical welder! That helps!!

  • @GOONRID3RFRANKLIN
    @GOONRID3RFRANKLIN Před 2 lety

    Great steady and effective technique thank you

  • @fasteddie..4204
    @fasteddie..4204 Před 2 lety

    Best vid I've found so far..thank you this helped me out quite a bit

  • @WillPemble
    @WillPemble Před 2 lety

    Thanks, Tim! What a fantastic tutorial :)

  • @craigrobertson5030
    @craigrobertson5030 Před 7 měsíci

    Been thrust into AL, helped answer some questions

  • @2012jcarpenter
    @2012jcarpenter Před 3 lety +2

    Great videos. Thank you!

  • @stevo3644
    @stevo3644 Před 3 lety

    Awesome video and can’t wait to try it out.

  • @tswrench
    @tswrench Před 3 lety

    Excellent instruction!

  • @sailingkulali
    @sailingkulali Před 3 lety +2

    Thanks Tim!

  • @ayebee1207
    @ayebee1207 Před 2 lety

    Your video is great. I like the two fire extingushers behind you. Smaller "oh crap" one. And larger "double oh crap!"
    Cheers!

  • @gabeofalltrades0770
    @gabeofalltrades0770 Před 5 měsíci

    Found this super helpful! Thanks!

  • @jorgerosales609
    @jorgerosales609 Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent mate! Gracias

  • @jadymulqueeney
    @jadymulqueeney Před 3 lety

    Thanks Tim, very good info

  • @onecarwood
    @onecarwood Před rokem

    Great video. Everything I needed to know.

  • @56WagonWheel
    @56WagonWheel Před 3 lety +1

    Very helpful, thanks

  • @shaanbrown7663
    @shaanbrown7663 Před 3 lety

    Awesome I’m learning something thank you sir.

  • @slothsvr8151
    @slothsvr8151 Před 2 lety +1

    Great info keep up the good work brother

  • @kermitthefrog6363
    @kermitthefrog6363 Před 2 lety

    Thanks again Tim...it is appreciated!

  • @benjaminstubbs7845
    @benjaminstubbs7845 Před 3 lety

    First video I found. Very well done. Subscribed. ✌🏽

  • @rogicighivare2828
    @rogicighivare2828 Před 3 lety

    Good lesson Sir , thank you.

  • @Squatch_830
    @Squatch_830 Před 2 lety

    Nice video. Very informative. Simple and quick liked it alot

  • @GuestInvitado-gd3bi
    @GuestInvitado-gd3bi Před 5 měsíci +1

    Nice spool gun you got there Tim. I've never used one, but I am looking forward to try. Since, I already have the welder (HOBART 210), I want to go for it. Thank you for sharing. Oh, you got some nice welds there. Take care my friend.👍👍

  • @paul_schuette
    @paul_schuette Před 3 lety

    Great video!

  • @TurboWorld
    @TurboWorld Před rokem

    Very decent! Thanks for the help!

  • @mdandry
    @mdandry Před 10 měsíci

    Very helpful, thanks 🙌🏻

  • @thomasheer825
    @thomasheer825 Před 2 lety

    Tim I converted my Mig to the Euro Plug setup. makes it easy to switch back and forth with wand and spool gun.

  • @ks7002
    @ks7002 Před 3 lety +3

    Could you describe how you tack weld aluminum using the spool gun? Also would be interesting to see you weld thin gage aluminum. Thanks

  • @paulrockey830
    @paulrockey830 Před rokem

    Fantastic, thank you!

  • @scottcarr3264
    @scottcarr3264 Před 3 lety +6

    We have new "Lorch" brand (german) Mig machines at work, and they will do Pulse and Double Pulse Alluminium, Straight out of the gun, NO Spool gun, I haven't really tried much with that other than a test run on coupons when the salesman showed us what these machines can do, but what I did see was pretty Impressive.

    • @thedillestpickle
      @thedillestpickle Před 2 lety

      What is double pulse? Is that the waveform control as well as pulse to the wire feed?

  • @enriquerodriguez1804
    @enriquerodriguez1804 Před rokem

    Good instructions 👍
    Thanks guy.

  • @nigelbeaumont1109
    @nigelbeaumont1109 Před 6 měsíci

    Great informative Video Sir.

  • @OrdnanceTV
    @OrdnanceTV Před 2 lety

    At 4:14 when you got the voltage dialed in perfect I audibly said "OHOHOOYEEAAHH". I must've eaten my wheaties this morning. Great video, big fan, keep it up.

  • @lesdeanjns
    @lesdeanjns Před 3 lety

    Thank you, and you can use a coupon to start on and ramp on to your metal can help with start up heating metal

  • @juanmorales2145
    @juanmorales2145 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for the video 👍

  • @Aaron-hj4cg
    @Aaron-hj4cg Před 2 lety

    Tim, truly appreciate the videos you make. I’ve looked everywhere and am having difficulty in getting the “stack o’ dimes”. I’ve tried to match your pace and doing the pause but instead of a distinct dime the weld pools together and it looks smeared. Im getting a nice spray with strong outside corner welds that I can beat with a sledgehammer without shearing. I really am after the look I guess. Thanks again.

  • @TheStrlx
    @TheStrlx Před 2 lety +1

    Great video ,nice looking mig welds and good information on adjusting the machine I was curious to find out your thoughts on the harbour freight gun compared to the miller ?

  • @jmav3783
    @jmav3783 Před 3 lety

    Great video👍

  • @dillonbrowning4408
    @dillonbrowning4408 Před 2 lety

    Great vid thanks man!!

  • @davecaresforyou7606
    @davecaresforyou7606 Před rokem

    This was amazing

  • @daveosland3199
    @daveosland3199 Před 2 lety

    With the right set up and wire, I can weld 1/4" 6061 in one pass with my XR30 gun....
    Good video!

  • @ckvasnic1
    @ckvasnic1 Před 2 lety +1

    Tim, Very nice video. Thank you for shareing your time and knowledge. All the best, Chuck

    • @TimWelds
      @TimWelds  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks so much!

    • @ckvasnic1
      @ckvasnic1 Před 2 lety

      @@TimWelds Follow-up question. Does the polarity of the gun and ground need to be reversed when useing spool gun on aluminum?

  • @andrewhuf6939
    @andrewhuf6939 Před 2 lety

    Very very helpful

  • @alexandergarcia240
    @alexandergarcia240 Před 3 lety +1

    I am finally getting around to using the spool gun I bought for my everlast welder. I can't wait to weld some aluminum.

  • @matthewlouis167
    @matthewlouis167 Před 2 lety

    In short circuit transfer the wire doesn't touch the work. A bead of filler metal forms, roughly the size of the diameter of the wire and it transfers to the weld at a rate of around 100 times a second. Slow mo videos of this are really cool.

  • @ar5000
    @ar5000 Před 2 lety +3

    great video, very helpful. BTW, petroleum products like Vaseline can cause the o-rings to fail. Try using something silicone-based like Molykote 111.

  • @takeit2-11
    @takeit2-11 Před 10 měsíci

    awesome! thanks

  • @2thousand27
    @2thousand27 Před 27 dny

    Awesome, thank you so much

  • @stanleyjobson2556
    @stanleyjobson2556 Před 3 lety

    Good my friend. Very nice video about of aluminum weld

  • @johnjennings8085
    @johnjennings8085 Před 2 lety +1

    Haha has miller welder uses harbor freight gun. Looks like it works pretty good though. We have a gun like this in the shop, another brand and it bird nests if you look at it side eye instantly. This video explains why thanks.

  • @harrypersaud9422
    @harrypersaud9422 Před 2 lety

    Great video sir

  • @summerdude600
    @summerdude600 Před 2 lety +6

    Great Video and a lot of helpful tips to get going. One thing I'd like to ask is if you make any modifications to how you'd start off with setting when you use 5356 wire instead of 4043? do you decrease the voltage a little more to start? need more wire speed? just curious if the alloy makes any difference in how you go about your set up?

  • @andyb7754
    @andyb7754 Před 3 lety +1

    Very good information. I've had a spool gun for 6 years and haven't even tried it , yet! It would be nice to see the voltage and wires speed information instead of the Miller use number whatever. My welders don't have a chart just the speeds and voltage. Support says to use synergic settings to learn!

    • @TimWelds
      @TimWelds  Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks! I don’t get mine out too often, but it’s really nice when there’s a lot of weld to run in a hurry. There is a settings calculator on Miller’s website www.millerwelds.com/resources/weld-setting-calculators that can get you in the ballpark. Aluminum MIG is especially sensitive to settings, so I always have to dial mine in. It’s not too bad if you start with the voltage low and sneak up on it until it’s running good.

  • @dragon6594
    @dragon6594 Před rokem

    Are you finally a guided get right into it stays in it is great information great video love it thank you so much

  • @lordvoldemort9651
    @lordvoldemort9651 Před 2 lety

    As a newbie to welding, i cant escape the subtle yet obvious humor in how everybody is always talking about how far their stick is out 🤭😏

  • @anarchistangler
    @anarchistangler Před rokem

    Yeah, good at teaching. Thanks. Where is your video about cutting it?

  • @FaizalYacob
    @FaizalYacob Před 2 lety

    Thank you for your howto.

  • @johnc.wunscheljr2873
    @johnc.wunscheljr2873 Před 3 lety

    thanks for showing spray transfer works. I saw you pulling your weld . I thought your suppose to push on aluminum for better cleaning???. GREAT VIDEQ

  • @JamesKing-yy9sv
    @JamesKing-yy9sv Před 2 lety

    Great introduction to spool gun ,I have recently purchased a spool gun , trying to set it for welding 2 mm square tube
    Perhaps some suggestions on 0.8 mm wire... voltage and speed.. I'm using the metric system mm/ second and VOLTS

  • @draxxmedia4063
    @draxxmedia4063 Před 2 lety

    Thank you much!

  • @dailydosacmann7590
    @dailydosacmann7590 Před 3 lety +4

    Awesome video! Thank you for explaining this is such detail :-) Just discovered your channel, and I'm a New Subscriber too!

  • @rickardo5027
    @rickardo5027 Před 2 lety +1

    Tim, I have watched this video several times and think it's great. This is my "GO TO" channel for anything welding. At the seven minute mark you appear to be dragging the puddle rather than pushing it. Is it just the optics of the video? I am attempting to weld 1/8" material and would like to know how to finish the weld without a crater at the end with something this thin. Thanks

  • @rickyharvey9876
    @rickyharvey9876 Před 3 lety

    Hey Tim I need some advice, this upcoming week I have to take a 2g,3g, and 4g weld test. Is there any tips I can use on machine settings for these positions?

  • @vipinpatel4545
    @vipinpatel4545 Před 2 lety

    well explained

  • @bquade70
    @bquade70 Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent, I subscribed. 👍👍
    Just learning... Hobart handler 140.

  • @anthonytitian8386
    @anthonytitian8386 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for the tip welding on my boat

  • @zenjon7892
    @zenjon7892 Před rokem

    Gotta say, I prefer TIG for aluminum, because it's what I do at work. I'm getting a home setup for general welding going at home though, and I want to learn this

  • @SQUIGGLEVISION3D
    @SQUIGGLEVISION3D Před 3 lety

    you are a hero

  • @willhall7777
    @willhall7777 Před 3 lety

    Helpful thank you. Do you have a video showing what the issue is when you have a ton of black left after welding?

    • @VortekXtiik
      @VortekXtiik Před 2 lety

      Making sure you brush your weld area clean, making sure you don’t scrub it (as if you were brushing your teeth), it could reintroduce oxides and impregnate oxides into the weld area, brush a certain direction only, as well as gas flow could affect the soot.

  • @tird108
    @tird108 Před 2 lety

    awsome video man thanks i might buy me aluminum mig gun how well does this run off a welder generator

  • @patrickmckowen2999
    @patrickmckowen2999 Před 2 lety

    Very good -- TY