SAVE 10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER USE COUPON CODE BRANDONLUND 🔥yeswelder.com/discount/BRANDONLUND MIG Setup in 5 Steps th-cam.com/video/TTZOGyZ4R_Q/w-d-xo.html LEARN HOW TO WELD VIDEOS HERE:th-cam.com/video/ADa1I319GJ0/w-d-xo.html
I have used this method many times. Those 120v machines just don’t have the power to run aluminum perfectly. Pause as it is getting too hot. That trigger is your best friend on thin material
I read somewhere aluminium was welded with AC because they needed more heat or amp, not sure whats the difference, to penetrate the oxidation? Also Ive seen ppl brush the oxidation layer right b4 welding. Not sure if you should do both or just one is sufficient?
I think your tip is too far forward, might wanna pull the tip shroud more forward a bit with that same distance. I noticed my welds became a bit more even when I tried it with AL.
Appreciate this video. I was about to spend $600 just to do around 15’ of weld on a boat only worth maybe 2k. Wife would have flipped out. I had no idea I could do this. Really appreciate it!
I’ve been going through alot lately, working overtime to barely stay afloat, making sure my grandparents and my mom and other family are taken care of makes it worth it but watching your videos gives me a hope that one day I’ll be able to do what I love and make sure my family is always good. From the bottom of my heart man thank you so much for being here man seriously
Right on! It's definitely a very effective way to occasionally weld aluminum. From there you can step up to a spool gun which basically eliminates all the feeding issues associated with this method and even better is upgrade to a push / pull system if you plan to do a lot of aluminum.
40 years ago this year i started my first business as a hd truck shop in sw kansas. at the time i purchased a linde 225 mig welder and used it nearly every day. i soon learned i could change the liner and feed roller and run aluminum, however i was using the 4000 series wire and with a 12ft liner it bird nested a lot. i soon got known for doing cast aluminum repairs, and would do cummins and cat oil pans for a flat fee of $175 dollars. the shop rate at the time was $25-27/hr. the key to success was preheat so i made up a bbq pit from two 55 gallon drums and used my rosebud to heat the interior and the oil pan, took maybe 15 minutes to get to 500F (used a temp stick). the first run bead i didn't care what it looked like, because cast oil pans have lots of oil in the grain and you have to burn it out. after the first run i would grind it all back out, reheat and reweld. the welds came out clean and perfect, reheat and let cool within my bbq pit... i could usually do an oil pan in under 2 hours, start to finish, and charging $175 per pan made for a nice day! i remember only wanting to do oil pans! the same process worked on harley primary cases, golf caddy parts, and even two hole in a fiat piston! the key to success is "cleanliness is next to godliness" followed by "preheat is mandatory" (for cast parts). those were good days!
It sure was! That's a nice little side hustle you had going. I don't blame you. I would have wanted to do oil pans all day too. Thanks for sharing brother!
@@johnsutter1497 Depends on which Miller and which use case. Most of my equipment is used industrial gear including Miller but nowadays wire welders are disposably cheap vs. the expensive circuit cards in modern industrial welding machines. Home gamers will be fine with consumer machines.
Am 63 now ,My first experience with mig was in 1979. By then I meet a HTP representative on a Auto Paint Supply Store. He give me an orientation on Mig because I was very Interested. By Then He Show me That Option , with The Teflon Liner Keeping The Hose straight as possible, and the sizes of tip ect. I Have to Congratulate You , Because you are the only One that Give this Explanation On TH-cam. We use That Technique , For The Repairs of the Rear Ambulance Steps. Using a 120v Solar Brand Machine. But years ago I have a 140 amps HTP from the 80. And I make Magic on Body works . That was a Machine designed for sheet metal. Keep Going My Friend !
Thanks Ramon I appreciate it! 👍🙏 Don't say it too loud though, there are people here that say this doesn't or cant work (even though it's been used for decades).
35 years ogo I bought a Daytona pocket mig (110v light duty) that had this option as a selling point. Throughout the years I've had multiple migs since I used to make a living as a fabricator. Anyway this info has served me well throughout the years. But I've never changed the liner, always ran wire lube. I blow the liner out with compressed air before running aluminum. Go one size larger on the tip, be sure polarity is right for aluminum. Use knurled rollers (for flux core wire). And use the right aluminum wire. Basically there are two types available use 5356 0.30/8mm with a 0.35 tip. You'll have to run it hot and fast! Practice practice practice and you'll amaze and astound your friends! Plus it's a great thing to have in the ole tool bag of skills Good luck!
I did this exact same mod...i bought a new 60$ stinger from yes welder off amazon. And bought the teflon liner. Cut to fit. And reassembled. Works like a fkn dream now...i also shortened my new stinger down to 8ft
For those of us that can't afford a couple of machines really appreciate that. It's nice to know that I can weld aluminum if you need to every once in awhile. Cheers from Atlantic Canada.👍😎🇨🇦
Thank you Anthony for "getting" what this video is about 👍 I thought it was pretty clear that i was trying to offer options but some took it as the be all end all solution to welding aluminum 🤣🤣🤣
This is very informative.I looked for this kind of video.I don't have much money to acquire new welding machine.Now I know it can be done with regular mig welding machine.Thank you man.God bless you
Thank you very much @Mark Fritch I appreciate this. I have to ask, I'm in my early 50's. I've been told that a lot of high schools are doing away with vocational classes. Is this true? I LOVED taking shop class. We had a metal working program at my high school. We rebuilt small engines, we did welding, they taught us life skills like how to change a tire, check your oil and we even did some wood working. I know the schools around me don't have these programs anymore which I think is a shame because these are skills you will have and use forever.
@@BrandonLund Perhaps it'll come Back but the Priorities of the [WOKE] school Board gotta be for the students Rather than useless agendas. I loved SHOP Class in HS. Made my Mom a Hickory chopping block similar to those used in kitchen and butcher shop use. Congrats on your presentation sir.
Probably learn them how to use a boring mobile phone nowadays. when I was in school we had motorbike classes gocart classes welding fixing engines all the cool stuff @@BrandonLund
I have the the "dad" of the machine you have the Hobart "Handler 120". Never noticed the bottom line on the door to change the spool that it lists "aluminum" as a material it will weld. Your video was more than excellent as you covered every issue that can come up. It really didn't hit me until the end of the video when you mentioned the gas for the third time that my Argon/Co2 mix won't work. HA! Well I'm 74 and went through the ranks from mig, stick, flux core, to tig and finally aerospace electron beam welding. Now retired I still do projects on my Hobart mig and love learning more about welding. Happy welding my friend. jerry
I’ve been welding ally with my little Hobart 140 for about 4 years now repairing cast mailboxes. I got the Hobart over Lincoln because the wire feed speed maxes at about 750 ipm vs the Lincoln’s 450 ipm just throwing that in there for people who want to weld aluminum for cheap and have a little easier time
Brandon, this video is so useful to so many, you have no idea. This was so well thought out and executed. With this tutorial, I think just about anyone could convert their gas mig welder to weld aluminum. You covered all the hard learned mig welder configuration issues I have learned over many years of welding. This is a great help to the community... Thanks for doing this... Joe
Thank you Joe I appreciate this very much. It's always a struggle wondering if everything was covered or if i missed anything. I appreciate the feedback 🙏 👍
Very good explanation of converting your Hobart. About 25 years ago I bought a Lincoln MP 15 (220 Volt) at a car show. They had the aluminum conversion kit, it came with a smooth feed wheel. Tried the soft wire 4043 and occasionally had feeding problems, switched to the 5356 and have never had the feeding problem again. I have completed several projects and have never had an issue. I hope others will give it i try.
Hey Brandon, what strikes me is that you never remove the sharp edges of the wire when you switch to a Teflon/graphite liner. The sharp edge allows the wire to produce a groove/curl on the inside of the liner. This can cause the wire (especially aluminum, soft) to get stuck. I always use a sandpaper, the point is that the tip of the wire is a bit round. Just a comment and maybe also a tip, have a nice day and greetings, Christian.
Excellent video!! I doubt that I will convert my 120v MIG to do aluminum, but I'm confident that I could from watching. The content is great, but the production is just as great - the camera (close up & distant), lighting, sound, & especially editing. I am VERY impressed. Thank you.
I just did this exact mod to the same welder a couple months ago. Very nice. I ended up going with bigger diameter wire. Had to turn the voltage up but I was able to back down the speed to 70 or so. Welded a bung to an aluminum oil pan.
This is exactly what I was looking for. Got a few years experience welding flux core & 0 experience with aluminum. I have a Lincoln mig welder and will set it up this way and tinker around. Thank you for good instructions/tips. I subscribed. To @Robert Sanchez, I saw your comment in the threads. Keep your head up brother and keep pushing forward. You’ll be living your dream before you know it. What you’re going through now is just part of the road to get there. I recently retired/ disabled from 22+ years in the military and I’m just now starting my dream of welding. Again, hang in there. We got this 👊🏼
@skeeeter thanks man for your support and sub but honestly what has taken me back the most is your kindness to a complete stranger. We need more of this in this world brother. Thank you for this. Building people up and encouraging them. God Bless you and your family. I commend you and everyone else that has responded to him in a positive way 🙏👊👍
@@BrandonLund absolutely Brother. The internet is full of bullies and bad comments that wouldn’t be made face face. I agree people need to be more supportive of one another and this world would be a better place. Since I found your channel recently, it’s definitely a great place to visit. You have some good subscribers. Great work on your channel. I subscribe also. Btw, I purchased the metal marking pen on Amazon using your link. It arrived quick. Can’t wait to start using it
THICKER PLATES ARE DOABLE! Leave a gap, chamfer the joint, let the gas torch do some of the work- and multiple passes, BUT... *** DUTY CYCLE!!*** Adhere or burn out your welder. Great video! I didn't know that! THANK YOU!
DUDE I don't know why but I had it in my head this wouldn't work BUT you busted that myth. Thanks for showing this to us and giving us tips and details. You are awesome Dude. If I ever get a bigger welder, I can convert my little one for aluminum.
I saved a bit of time by getting another gun to run alloy, saves time. One gun for steel wire,one gun to run alloy, that way you just change guns without having to change the liner. It's worth the $ for the extra gun.
Great video!! Thanks for sharing. I’ve got one of these 140s I keep in the back of a Chevy Tahoe. I power it with a Westinghouse Igen 4500 generator and use it for small to medium size welding jobs around the farm. These type jobs make up over 90% of the repairs I run into. Great information brother!!!! God bless.
Right on man. It's hard to beat these transformer machines. These mig machines are comparable to the old ac buzz boxes. They take a beating and keep on working. God Bless you brother!
I can't believe I stayed half a hour to see how you can convert an usual MIG to weld aluminum, when I don't even own a welding machine, let alone of welding something. Boy, you're a very good teacher, if you were able to hold me here, instead of reading about politics, I give you that. True, my next tool would be a 3 in 1 welding machine, but the way you explain things captivated my attention. I'll have to come back these days to dig up other secrets you might hiding, so we'll meet soon. Until then, if it's possible to gain knowledge about the usual welding by reading stuff, then re-direct me to some sites to try to master this domain, although I don't really want to go professional, just to do a good job.
@outstanding1448 this probably ranks in the top 10 nicest comments I have received. Thank you very much for your kind words. There is a LOT of information on welding and there is also a LOT of misinformation. One thing i do different than others is i like to experiment with different filler metals and I also like to test machines to see IF they can do what they claim. Another good channel you can trust with solid information is Welding Tips and Tricks.
@@BrandonLund, I'm really glad I managed to put a smile on your face, considering that I do involuntarily resemble Bender. You are a nice lad, I can tell that by your genuine smile. I do believe you're here to help us, Not necessarily for internet points, like.... Mr.Whostheboss, who's ejecting shallow videos, bringing Nothing useful to cultural legacy we leave behind. Imagine that guy has over 10 million subscribers, projecting a fake smile and inserting "that what she said" in almost every video. The information on internet is overwhelming, thus discouraging. If you have a good website where they cover it all, remaining only for one to practice, then I'd be happy to dig in. Always remember that youtube is for people like you.
So you made me smile again man. What a nice thing to say. The world needs more people like you in it. Thanks again and I appreciate your support and kind words. FYI I haven't heard of that person you mentioned but you got me curious now so I got to go check it out. Thanks again 👍♥
Great video. I just picked up a Hobart 140 2 days ago to replace the one I left behind in Alaska. Just FYI, I have run 4043 wire through a (brand new) metal liner for a small project involving cast aluminum. Different machine. Had to keep that whip dang near strait, but it worked good.
I don't even own a welder or know how to weld, But I was watching every single minute of this video. lol I do however, need a little Mig for my Hotrod projects, so time to get moving on this new adventure. Thanks for sharing, appreciate it. Cheers from Motown.
This is the video i was waiting for! Brandon you nailed it imo! You answered every question i had and gave some great tips. I saved this video and will watch it over a few times im sure. I really thought my old 120V welder would do it but the amps are not there. So, i will wait to see if im the lucky winner of the next welder giveaway. Thanks again Brondon!! 😎
Thank you so much! I was just researching how to weld aluminum with my welder this morning, and there’s your video with my exact welder! You answered all of my big questions
Remember the rules for MIG or TIG welding aluminum: use only Argon, or for a hotter weld a mix of Argon and Helium. It's also very important that aluminum be clean or it won't weld at all. No oil, grease, paint or gum from labels. If it's not clean use a small disc sander and then clean it with acetone or laquer thinner. In the industry 5356 filler rod is always used, as opposed to 4043, so if the part is Black anodized the weld does not turn white.
Great video! I'm going to set up a gun and liner for aluminum. I do mostly steel, but occasionally I need to do aluminum. Was always told had to have a dedicated machine for everything! I'm not a professional or do this for a living, so this is going to be wonderful! BTW, I checked out my mig and it has settings in the owners manual but not on the machine like yours. I don't know how I missed that, I usually read everything in manuals. I guess people telling me it couldn't be done just blinded me! Lol! Thanks for your time and sharing! 👍😎✌️( Oh yes, and a bottle of argon)
You know something James this is a lot like welding cast iron. There is a lot of conflicting misinformation out there. Usually the people that say it cant be done have either never tried it first hand or they skipped one of the steps that I listed in the video and it gave them poor results. This process has been around for a couple decades but I cant help but think it's not overly advertised because if you can convert your machine for 25 bucks for occasional welding, why would someone spent 800 dollars to buy a new machine that can do the same thing.
@@BrandonLund Exactly! I'm really tickled I saw your video... I also subscribed! It also reminds me not to believe everything you hear, and, take a little more time reading my manuals! Thanks Brandon!
I have welded with aceytelyn and oxygen miles and miles of copper pipe for A/C units on condos and commercial for new construction from 1/4 to 1 3/8" inside dimensions with silver sodier. Had a Lincoln stick welder I used for a lawn service on the side. Bought it out of necessity when a leaf spring broke away from an axle on an old rusted trailer. During Rainey season in Florida I'm laying in 3" of flood water arc welding the axle to new leaf springs and brackets. Read welding books and hope I could repair it and not die at the same time. The weld looked like peanut butter on both sets of leaf springs but it was a strong weld and never broke loose. Had no time for practice had to get the trailer welded and no one else wanted to do the Joe so I did it. That was 35 or 40 years ago and after all this time I'm currently living in the Philippines and have a desire to buy a welding machine to use primary for motorcycle mods and repairs. At 64 years old. Want to race motorcross again but my body saids no. Always loved being able to make things or modify them, remodeling houses, making cabinets. The welder will sit unused most of the time but it would be great to have to make mods and repairs. I can get a 200 amp arc welder for 50 us dollars here new and a 300 amp for just under 100 dollars. A flux core mig welder around 100 or a little more. Getting argon is not an option on this small island in the Philippines. And I would not use it enough to warrant it's cost. Basically I'm a new by with very little welding experience. Cannot decide on 200 amp or 300 or arc or mig flux core. Will never weld anything over 1/4" and most likely metals for brackets and stuff. Rusted out cracked motorcycle frames. A lot of cheap china motorcycles here with poor grade metals that rust out with high humidity and salt water from near the Pacific ocean. People are poor here and I don't mind helping them with simple welds. Retired have time to learn now.
When you're preheating it with your torch, that'd be the ideal time to use your wire brush on it before you weld, to break up the oxide layer, and it'll weld alot better nomatter what process you use.
A number of years ago I built an aluminum skiff - 5052, 5356 wire - did everything you did but still had trouble with birds nest every so often. You did mention the gas for aluminum but not the flow rate. Not a big deal, but the proper flow rates, if you do a lot of welding will save some $$. Miller welder, no spool gun add on in that machine. Because the boat was lofted frames for the shape meant that the preheat was not lost on a table. As a final note a 12' sheet will yield a 11' 3" dink. Was a lot of fun to build.
Brandon, Thank you for a very good and informative video. I've got that same welder and this is fantastic to know. A long time ago I worked in a pipe mill in Oklahoma with a Great bunch of guys. We all worked together well and learned a bunch from each other. I was an Electrician but was working with a welder on a large aluminum trough. Jerry said that to preheat the aluminum to the correct temperature that I should first run a carbon rich flame on the opposite side from where he would be welding. Then from the correct side use a neutral flame to heat the aluminum to where the carbon on the other side just disappeared. That was the the temperature he wanted the aluminum at and yes, the weld turned out beautiful. I also worked at a bottling plant ant the welders there had different wire wheel, brushes, cutters and whatever for stainless and for mild steel. So I understand about using different tools for aluminum to prevent contamination.
I never MIG welded aluminum before I watched this video. I bought the recommended liner and swapped out the steel liner on my Millermatic 211. Using the recommended 030" ER5356 wire, 100% Argon , and .035 tips I started laying down some almost acceptable beads on aluminum coupons. I also had a number of burn backs, ruined tips, wire loops at the drive roll, and blow throughs. I tried a number of settings. I went back online for clues on how to get better. I was surprised to see how different the technique is for Aluminum compared to steel. I found: some tips that helped including running hot and fast (no forward back, no e's) as well as to keep the stick out to 3/4". Thanks for getting me started!
Thats awesome man. Always push with aluminum. Keep your whip as straight as possible. 3/4 to 1" stickout and I use very little manipulation. It takes some practice but in little time you will be stacking dimes 👍
Brandon, thank you very much for the demonstration. When I bought my multiprocess welding machine a year ago I had read that there was a Teflon liner available for my machine. I was wanting to find out more about it before I went ahead to purchase it, now that you've shown us the process these are going to be in my Christmas wish list😁😁
@@rudymarrero9222 Stainless would not require the Teflon liner. The Teflon is for aluminium wire which is soft and could snag easily in the torch liner. Using the standard metal liner for stainless wire is fine.
I have a Hobart 175 and did the same. It worked pretty damn good. Did not do much with other than a new liner(not teflon) and that was it. After changing the liner back to my steel, did I NOTICED I never changed the MIXED gas to Argon. lolol With that said, I'm sure the welds will be spot on.
Remember the rules for MIG or TIG welding aluminum: use only Argon, or for a hotter weld a mix of Argon and Helium. It's also very important that aluminum be clean or it won't weld at all. No oil, grease, paint or gum from labels. If it's not clean use a small disc sander and then clean it with acetone or laquer thinner. In the industry 5356 filler rod is always used, as opposed to 4043, so if the part is Black anodized the weld does not turn white.
@@Lou-eye 4043 is recomended for aluminum castings. But more important is that you preheat the transfer case so it won't crack after you finish the weld. The idea being not to start a hot TIG weld on a cold casting. And don't let it cool off, finish the weld first before going to lunch. If you stripped it down with no seals, gears or bearings in it, it's ok to heat it up with the torch. If it's full of rubber seals go easy on the preheat.
Hey Brandon, Awesome knowledge, explanations, training, details! Saves a ton of dry boring small print reading. Thanks for making this video!!! I like this waaay better than the bulky, unbalanced spool guns. Enough so that I suspect I'll be dedicating a welder and gun set up for aluminum....Thanks again!
Thanks Brandon, if I get my Millermatic dusted off and in my new shop. Ill try this. Gonna enjoy teaching grand sons, 13yr old Twins how to "make it work" with what you got.
Remember the rules for MIG or TIG welding aluminum: use only Argon, or for a hotter weld a mix of Argon and Helium. It's also very important that aluminum be clean or it won't weld at all. No oil, grease, paint or gum from labels. If it's not clean use a small disc sander and then clean it with acetone or laquer thinner. In the industry 5356 filler rod is always used, as opposed to 4043, so if the part is Black anodized the weld does not turn white.
Great presentation as usual Brandon! I was unaware a DC only machine could weld aluminum. I just learned a lot about the differences of the different waveforms in school. We were TIG welding aluminum in my Fabrication class so this topic in general is very timely for me. Thank you for showing us how to convert our machines to do this.
Thanks Shasta. A lot of production shops and trailer manufacturers use this setup because it's quick. They often add a push pull system but everything else is basically the same
@Rich Pitty there are folks here that have been welding for years and didn't even know this was possible. That's who this video is for. Buying a TIG machine to do an occasional aluminum repair may not be desireable to some folks. I like to offer solutions and this is just another option for people to use. Knowledge is power.
@@BrandonLund good to know! Thank you! I just got the Everlast 255 TIG welder so I can practice my aluminum but i like knowing that for situations where that may not be a feasible thing to do...that the job can still be done. As always, keep up the good work! Looking forward to tomorrow's video!!!
@@Shasta_Rayne The secret for making a great looking aluminum TIG weld is the metal has to be clean. Aluminum is the only common metal that has to free of oil, grease, paint and gum from labels. Grind it, file it or whatever you have to do. Laquer thinner or acetone and some scotch brite works wonders. The military spec for welding aluminum is to etch it in an acid tank. Not sure, but it might be phosphoric acid.
Great Vid, when I bought a liner and tank for my Lincoln years ago, the desk informed me the liner was needed as anything that had touched steel would contaminate the weld. That would include using a steel wire brush to clean the aluminum to be welded. Watched a body shop vid that said to have a totally different set of tools for working on any aluminum, and a different isolated (grinding dust maybe) area of the shop...not very practical, but appears contamination is a real issue on repairs.
Some people will tell you it's ok to use the metal liner. They are wrong but it's their project so I'm not going to argue. You were given very solid advise. I actually have an aluminum plate that I weld on to eliminate contamination. Aluminum needs to be kept very clean with no steel touching it
Another great vid, Brandon! I had no idea you could do this, very informative and a boon to those that have a value priced MIG and have a few "friends" with a few aluminum weld needs.
I've got this exact welder. I've had it for going on 3 years and never knew or even noticed that it could do such a thing. thanks for the educational video.
Thanks Brandon for sharingthis!. Your step by step explanations are clear, no nonsense and to the point. I am having welding evening classes as a 56 year old and I love to learn new things. Hope to try this out one day...
Your intro was perfect, exactly why I clicked on the video. Thanks for not being an arrogant ass like many of the welders on TH-cam and fully realising not everyone has unlimited funds for hobby's. I had always thought a spool gun was absolutely necessary but you proved it isn't. I doubt I will ever do alloy welding, I think I've only needed an aluminium part welded once in the last 23 years (although it was pretty expensive at about $55 an inch of weld in 2014) Subscribed as I like your approach to 'teaching'
Thanks man I appreciate the sub and your support. Being someone who grew up with some pretty rough equipment I know what works and how to get every ounce I can get out of a machine lol
Great job! Thanks for the effort of making and sharing your experimental video with the rest of us. It takes a lot of devotion and time to create such an informative video, which you have captured here. So a tip of the hat to you for it. Cheers!
I have a couple of Lincoln's that I've had now for dang near ten years or more, good little 110 machines. One maxes out at 90a the other 100 or 110a I think. JUST got a Harbor Freight Titanium Mig140 for work though (30% @ 90a), so I wouldn't have to bring one of my Lincolns in all the time for railing fab and such, and my god do I love it. I've also used plenty of big boy welders over the years, so I know what good feels like... and I NEVER thought a small 110 welder could feel this kind of good. Plus, where Hobart, Miller, Lincoln, etc always give you the old A, B, C, D power setting plus wire feed speed via the old mechanical knobs. This Titanium gives you fully linear control, digital control that is, for Voltage, WFS, and Inductance. . . And I thought this would complicate things, but no... literally from the first bead to now, some week or so and many welds later, it's freaking great. It also has full compatibility out of the box with spool guns. Then there's the Mig170.... a 110/220 hybrid with dongle adapter to plug into either. You get the better duty cycle out of the 110 with limited power, but still a good cycle even at 220 with UBER power... and it does Mig, FC, Tig, and something else... can't remember what the other item is... it's the one I want to personally buy though. But yeah, the Mig140 I got for work was freaking $370 out the door, after membership discount. $450 otherwise.... $400 with a new membership / paying the $30 price to get it. I can't believe how good these things are... time will tell if they're still with me with zero maintenance some ten plus years later, like the Lincolns.... but I suspect they may be... Given the reviews on them, and the time they've been up. And my either one of my Lincolns were easily twice the price, or more... The smaller one was purchased as a FC only machine, which I later converted to full mig (adding gas ability)... the other was basically the same machine, I think ten amps more, with gas already included. Either way they each ended up around $900 - $1000 all said and done... Similar to what most stores have an equivalent new Lincoln priced at, with similar power, gas ability, etc. Yet here you get SO MUCH MORE, for under $400.... I honestly can't believe it... and.... annnd... every single item feels better made. From the lightweight but heavier duty unit itself, to the controls, to the braided gas hose that I admit I stole for myself... giving work one of my old plasticy lines. Even the regulator is better than what you get with a big name. It's massively impressive. . . And heck, I guess even if it only lasts half the time it wouldn't be a bad deal at less than half the price... but I suspect it's gonna last the long haul.
I bought all the gear to do TIG welding but could never make it work because my machine had TOO MANY knob on it that I didn't know what they did. I wouldn't say your welds were that fantastic, but at least you did it. If you have a second MIG welder, then convert it for occasional TIG use would make sense.
Keep in mind that this is with zero practice. The same results that anyone trying it would expect. I don't pretend I'm better than anyone by practicing and getting my settings perfect beforehand. I prefer to be genuine
To set up a TIG welder use the AC setting for aluminum, with a mix of argon or argon/Helium gas only. Switch on the high frequency with the choice of the continuous setting. And don't forget to turn on the water circulating pump or the plastic hoses will melt.
@@georgebuck2269 Water circulation pump? WT? I've never seen a water cooled TIG machine before. I had pur ARGON, but still just blew holes in everything. If somewonew had of set it up for me, I could weld fine.
@@doraexplora9046 In a factory setting 100% of all TIG machine torches are water cooled and also a few MIG machines that are high current for welding heavy stock. They do make air cooled TIG torches but are never used, except for hobby guys, they get too hot. Each TIG machine has a seperate pump to circulate water through the torch. I was a 35 year welder and also did maintenance on all welding machines. Spot welding machines are also water cooled.
@@georgebuck2269 Thanks Uncle Buck. I never knew the heavy duty machines were water cooled. Only ever seen light sheet metal machines that are air cooled.
I bought a Lincoln 120v mig about 30 years ago, in the info, it said if you wanted to do aluminum to switch to the Teflon liner and use a rubber drive wheel to keep it from bird nesting at the drive. That has worked great for me, 1 extra thing I do to make switching the liner a tad easier, is after I remove the metal liner, I use the air nozzle and blow out the torch line.
Hey Brandon watching this video all the way over in Brisbane Australia ! Mate I was about to spend a whole lot of money on my mig welder that would have been totally useless had i not watched this video your tips and highlights are tremendous i have now ordered the correct gear i need for this project im about to have a crack at cheers brother
Awesome, thank you for sharing. I'm an old retired fart and picked up a cheap used MIG welder. I only new how to ARC & Acetylene weld. With the now high price of gas wire feed seemed like the best alternative for little DIY & auto repair projects. With your tip I can save the $200+ on a feed roller gun. 👍
I've never welded but have serious designs on buying a machine soon. This opens the door to an even wider possibility of what can be done. Well made video thank you
Thank you for an informative video! My first welder was a flux core machine I picked up at Lowes before I knew anything - naturally. I soon discovered just how easy it was with flux core to make incredibly poor welds! Blobs, BBs, lack of penetration, spurts...you name, I learned how to do it all VERY WELL! I also eventually learned the "secret" of overcoming all the FC limitations and turning out some amazingly uniform, full-thickness welds that indeed had a near stacked dimes look though I prefer a little S2S stir that does wonders in washing the molten metal into the substrate. With perfect welds and a good brushing afterward, people can be fooled into thinking they're seeing MIG welds! I eventually bought an Eastwood 180 with the aluminum spool gun that has sat in the garage for about 3 years now awaiting a project worthing of a genuine MIG machine! How about that, I finally get a decent MIG machine and haven't gotten around to using it!
I love welding aluminum. I don't always mention it on the channel but I never practice any of my first welds (aluminum, steel or any other metal) and I dont mess with any settings prior to welding. I set it to where I think it should be set and I fire up the camera. The first shot the viewer sees is my first weld. I think that keeps it real so that when viewers dont get an immediate stack of times on their first try they know why and what to expect. As you know, getting the perfect setting takes a few minutes of padding beads to get travel speed and settings right. I think I might have a spool gun for this machine. I might have to try it with some 4043
I have been welding aluminum with my Hobart handle for years and people sit don't believe it. I would repair transmission and any other aluminum parts with great Success.
fifth month, forth day, of year two thousand and twenty three... 5/4/03. I just found you today and so for a first impression was to instantly subscribe.... your a sharp young man... I am a old man, crippled to the point of dang near "whats the use", just ain't ready for a toe tag yet. I did heavy equipment till It was just too hard from prior accidents that raise their heads. I like making stuff as well as the repairing of old junk that guys had.. its all they had enough money to use for their daily jobs. I would love to watch just how you do brass welding with a mig machine... cause you addressed everything I needed to know about this idea of a mig for aluminum. I want to thank you for your tutorial welding video
Thanks Morgan! I appreciate your support. I love fixing up old equipment. There is a feeling of pride getting something back in service that someone discarded. I appreciate it man and I might have to give brass repair a try 👍
That is an amazing thought that you put out there. I am one of those guys who kept the thought that you answered for me today and I'm sure I'm not the only one. So thanks man for confirming what I thought was possible but my extra "safety" first attitude would get in the way. Not anymore thanks to you braddah...Stoked in Kunia, Hawaii R. Walker..Aloha and Mahalo..
Wow. I need/want to weld aluminum. Sold my tig welder when I made my move to Florida to retire. Gives me the idea of setting up a whip for steel and one for aluminum. My welder has an old liner in it anyway. Swap the bottle, then the whip and move switch the polarity wires.
Right on @chuckgilbert2035 it's literally that easy! A lot of people don't realize just how easy it is to get professional results for not a lot of money. Your right about the spare whip though. That's really the way to do it. In about the same time it takes to change a roll of wire you can pretty much be setup to weld aluminum 👍
Hi there, i have always used a tig at the shop for many years but now dont have access to it. I've been curious about converting a mig over & after watching this video, it won't be a problem. Thank you for the awesome video on converting.
I have an Esab Rebel. I actually bought a cheap Harbor Freight gun and modified the plug and connection to work on my ESAB. Saved me major $ over an expensive gun type. I might still look at doing the liner mod since it would be easier in tight places. Thanks
I think most of what a newbie needs to know was covered in your video, maybe the bench was taking most of your preheat. Use a piece of pine timber like a pencil to test preheat, when it looks like you have used a wax crayon on the material the temp is good. A must is to get rid of the oxidization on the aluminium, this will reform after about twenty minutes. All said a clear and precise video, thanks.
Brother Very nicely done, this video is very well explained and taught. You would make a beautiful high school shop teacher. Don't know if schools these days have shop class. I did back in the 80's, Wood shop and metal shop, learned so much, it's a dying shame young kids/adults can't learn these things, so to you my brother, my friend beautiful video ❤️
Thank you so much for that compliment! I appreciate it. I think most shop classes ended with a lot of other important life classes like home economics. I had wood and metal shop and loved it
this is so awesome! I am definitely going to play with my mig set-up now. I have a spare whip, so if this works out, then I can just keep it set up vs. pulling apart the liners.
Very well presented my good sir. Ya learned me a new trick for my mig. Heads up, Miller 141 has the same exact wire hub feed set up. Spring loaded push, rotate, select. You are helping me learn ridiculously fast. Thank you for all your efforts. Very thorough. From start to finish.
thanks I always use a spool gun but this convinced me. A good 200 A Mig inverter with pulse and you are the king of the hill. I think knurled drive rolls would be better and would not flatten the wire in the contact tip.
Gday Brandon, Thanks for taking the time to make and post this great info. I’ve just picked up a 15ft, 50 year plus old Ali fishing boat that has had all sorts of different things bolted and removed from it. I’m changing over my Mig to Ali to fill all the old dash cut out’s/bolt holes etc and tidy it up. Am sure there will be issues for me as the original old Ali seems harder than the sheet I bought for patching the larger holes/cut outs. Lots more to learn for me I’m sure, but I’m loving it. I’m impressed with the quality of your vids. I’ve liked and subscribed. I owe you a beer. Cheers from Oz 👍👍🍻
I appreciate that man thanks for the like and sub! And don't get discouraged with the AL boat. They are thin and this process will make it challenging. A piece of copper on the back side to act as a heat sink will help if you find yourself burning through
@@BrandonLund Great tip, thanks. I’ve had a full day of practicing on the bench with off cuts and challenging it is to say the least! 😁 Most of my repairs are on the gunnel tops/side decks and the dash. So I can put doublers of Ali behind to help with increasing the thickness. I’m definitely staying away from the thin, pressed bottom plating. The bit of pitting there will be epoxy filled. Thanks for all info, Cheers 👍👍🍻
I was under the impression that you had to have ac to weld aluminum. I tried using a spool gun with my old Millermatic 135, but no luck and I didn't know to try and switch the polarity. I will give it another try. I bought a Everlast stick and tig machine and it has ac for the tig on aluminum. I,m too old and really shaky so tig for me is almost impossible. I think I could do better with the mig though. Thanks for sharing this and I will give it a try since all I have to do is plug the mig gun into the other connection. Thanks for sharing!
When I make serious changes to serious equipment, I make notes on print paper, part numbers, gas, tips, liner & receipts of everything inside a zip lock bag! My MIG is a 1984 and huge, but inside the wire drive side, I place all this inside away from moving parts. Even extra steel wire spools from rusting over time. You don't weld everyday in a home shop. Do NOT depend on WD-40 to protect the wire as it evaporates. So if your son has to take over, the info is in there. No guessing, mistakes or damage like a polarity change. Photos in black & white can be used for notes, info, part numbers, the welder lives on for decades. Even if in your late 30's, this increases the ability to "Sell" or use within the next Gen. My 36 year old son complains because I never taught him. I did, he doesn't remember. But photos are forever with notes inside bag! After that, they don't need to weld! DK, ASE master tech since 78.
Very nice, complete video with one omission: The argon tank & regulator. Just browsing, they cost well over $25. Check with your local welding gas supplier for specifics.
Excellent and informative. I haven’t tried it with my HH 135 . If I was going to do it fairly oftenI think follow the advice from the old HH Weld Talk board. Thats buying a SHORT dedicated whip to make the aluminum feed easily as possible . That would solve most of the binding issues .
I got the same welder for free...I have a multiprocessing welder already for my main welder...I just wanna be able to tac up aluminum or do a small project here and there and I have 100% argon already for doing tig so I setup my little 140 for this specifically to only get out in the occasion I have to stick aluminum together. Thanks for sharing!
Welder here, that is a lot to ask of a 120V welder. Totally sucks when the wire sticks and wire has to be rethreaded. Been there done that when I was young in my own shop. An old Airco 450amp welder. Now I have a 350 amp Miller inverter style with a wire pull motor in the torch. Only for Alum. MIG welding. Best thing I learn from a Boeing aircraft welder is using a TIG welder but not on AC with HF Continuous start but Straight DC, sharp point Tungsten, HF start only and using 100% Helium. No preheat required on sections that are thick. .25 plate Tees 12" squares as an example. Puddle forms in 4 seconds.
Most folks don't even know this is possible. That's what this is about. I'm just trying to shed some light and help some folks out rather than people thinking they have to buy a new welder to do some occasional aluminum welding.
Just watched your video, 'cause as i said b4 internet here in our new place is not good. But just the same i learned another thing from you. Nice video. Keep doing your good deeds of helping other. Thank you. God Bless.
I'm sure you weren't expecting a terminology lesson, but graphite and graphene are essentially the same base component but radically different products. Graphite for industrial use is powdered carbon that's been exposed to tremendous heat and pressure (and graphitized, naturally), but normally used as a dry lubricative element. Graphene is single atom thick carbon sheets (yes, so small and thin that it's basically invisible to the human eye) but makes a wonderful additive for a lot of things, presuming you can find/make it. Most graphene on the market is nanoplatelet particles and not true graphene. (I happen to make graphene about a quart at a time and it takes round about a week to do it correctly). The blue liner in your video is typically found as PTFE, more commonly known by the trade name Teflon. It's readily available as 3D printer feed line and also relatively self-lubricated, though you can spray the line with dry lube containing graphite for mig feeding, which shouldn't be any worse than a Very fine layer of dirt particle if contaminants are a concern that would be on the wire roll anyway from manufacture and general exposure.
I use PTFE - teflon silver plated wire for my linear power supplies. The customers require it. It's only hobby stuff no military certs required. It never melts even under the hot soldering iron. From a 35 year welder.
very good instructional! I'm motivated again to close youtube for now and head into the garage to familiarize myself once again with ol hobart then head to the welding supply store.
Hey guys, I have used the same hh 140 for the last 10 or 15 years. Ran 10lbs or more of 5356 wire. Last large project (6 years ago) 40 ft sailboat mast broken in half.(backyard project) TIP, most important thing for me to keep from BIRD NESTING was to keep the welder positioned well above work piece. Water flows best down hill, mig torch and hose as straight as possible angled down hill. Plenty of mapp gas or torch for heat, aluminum acts as a heat sink. Hope the tip helps someone. Very good info in the video!! Thanks for making the video & sharing your knowledge.
I've got a little Lincoln 125 plus I've had for 10 years it's not the best but I've done a lot with my little welder. This video is great cause it's not showing the best way but it shows you can get it done with what you have if you really want to
Spot on brother! I had a cheapo Chicago Electric 140 back in the day and I built trailers and all sorts of stuff. You don't need to have top of the line equipment to get good results.
Machines with double pulse feature are recommended for aluminum welding with mig machine. I have a double pulse machine, but it is still very difficult to weld aluminum at the same quality every time. It is important to preheat the part. You should also remove the oxide layer with a brush before welding. I tried this method for a few months, but then I had to buy a machine with AC feature. Thanks for the video.
Tip from a retired Welder If you cut your wire on a sharp angle it will start perfectly every time This will give high resistance ,thus high heat contact Balled ends will stub and spatter
I'll also add about the grooves on the drive, you want a smooth U drive, as the knurled groove for steel wire, can cause knurling in the alum wire, and damage you ptfe liner, the tip, and can make the wire easier to bend or snap. Tons of companies make parts for thr top 4 Welder brands. Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, and ESAB. ESAB may not be well known to non-pros.. They are also expensive, and if you own one, then you probably own a tig for aluminum already. Lol
Hi Brandon. I don‘t want to sound smart but i did the same thing lets say 25 yrs ago when someone asked me if i could put aluminum in his foodtrucs so he could wash em after spilling on the floor and walls of his truck. So i did the same as you did with exeption of reversing + and - cables. I did need to keep a straight line with the liner so i bought a short one which worked better. I finished his trucks and it all worked great. After that i bought a handle that pulled the aluminum wire through the liner. After that it worked even better. To let you know i live in the Netherlands were we have 220 volts instead of 110. Greetings Steven
Hey Steven thanks for your comment. Those guns are called a push pull setup. They work really nice. You can also get a spool gun which is what I generally use to weld aluminum, but this method works too if your patient but as you mentioned, it does have its limitations. Thanks for commenting!
I appreciate the ingenuity presented here along with the detailed demonstration. Maybe a $100 knock-off spool gun is just easier for switching processes.
If the budget allows I highly reccomend going that route. Then your not swapping liners and you get the added bonus of not having any feeding issues that can be problematic with this method.
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I have used this method many times. Those 120v machines just don’t have the power to run aluminum perfectly. Pause as it is getting too hot. That trigger is your best friend on thin material
Spot on! 👌
¹¹u.
I read somewhere aluminium was welded with AC because they needed more heat or amp, not sure whats the difference, to penetrate the oxidation?
Also Ive seen ppl brush the oxidation layer right b4 welding. Not sure if you should do both or just one is sufficient?
I think your tip is too far forward, might wanna pull the tip shroud more forward a bit with that same distance. I noticed my welds became a bit more even when I tried it with AL.
Appreciate this video. I was about to spend $600 just to do around 15’ of weld on a boat only worth maybe 2k. Wife would have flipped out. I had no idea I could do this. Really appreciate it!
Glad to help man! Enjoy!
Did you ever try it? How'd it work out?
I’ve been going through alot lately, working overtime to barely stay afloat, making sure my grandparents and my mom and other family are taken care of makes it worth it but watching your videos gives me a hope that one day I’ll be able to do what I love and make sure my family is always good. From the bottom of my heart man thank you so much for being here man seriously
Dude! I really appreciate this comment! Thank you. I wish you and your family well. God Bless
You're a real hero man. Keep going.
Good on you for sacrificing so much for the good of others, stay the course and you'll get through it man.
Thank all of you guys for the support, it makes things easier knowing people can still support others! Good people do exist
They do Robert and the folks here on this channel are super supportive. The best on the web as far as I'm concerned 👍
I gotta try this. I've turned down many many jobs because I don't own a tig welder. Great video man. Thanks
Right on! It's definitely a very effective way to occasionally weld aluminum. From there you can step up to a spool gun which basically eliminates all the feeding issues associated with this method and even better is upgrade to a push / pull system if you plan to do a lot of aluminum.
40 years ago this year i started my first business as a hd truck shop in sw kansas. at the time i purchased a linde 225 mig welder and used it nearly every day. i soon learned i could change the liner and feed roller and run aluminum, however i was using the 4000 series wire and with a 12ft liner it bird nested a lot. i soon got known for doing cast aluminum repairs, and would do cummins and cat oil pans for a flat fee of $175 dollars. the shop rate at the time was $25-27/hr. the key to success was preheat so i made up a bbq pit from two 55 gallon drums and used my rosebud to heat the interior and the oil pan, took maybe 15 minutes to get to 500F (used a temp stick). the first run bead i didn't care what it looked like, because cast oil pans have lots of oil in the grain and you have to burn it out. after the first run i would grind it all back out, reheat and reweld. the welds came out clean and perfect, reheat and let cool within my bbq pit...
i could usually do an oil pan in under 2 hours, start to finish, and charging $175 per pan made for a nice day! i remember only wanting to do oil pans!
the same process worked on harley primary cases, golf caddy parts, and even two hole in a fiat piston!
the key to success is "cleanliness is next to godliness" followed by "preheat is mandatory" (for cast parts).
those were good days!
It sure was! That's a nice little side hustle you had going. I don't blame you. I would have wanted to do oil pans all day too. Thanks for sharing brother!
I got called out after I TIG welded an old Harley engine case because I didn't preheat with the torch and it cracked. That was 1976.
Are Miller welders far superior or are you paying for the name? Thank you
@@johnsutter1497 Depends on which Miller and which use case. Most of my equipment is used industrial gear including Miller but
nowadays wire welders are disposably cheap vs. the expensive circuit cards in modern industrial welding machines. Home gamers
will be fine with consumer machines.
@mobilebob1956 thank you for your reply!
Am 63 now ,My first experience with mig was in 1979. By then I meet a HTP representative on a Auto Paint Supply Store. He give me an orientation on Mig because I was very Interested. By Then He Show me That Option , with The Teflon Liner Keeping The Hose straight as possible, and the sizes of tip ect. I Have to Congratulate You , Because you are the only One that Give this Explanation On TH-cam. We use That Technique , For The Repairs of the Rear Ambulance Steps. Using a 120v Solar Brand Machine. But years ago I have a 140 amps HTP from the 80. And I make Magic on Body works . That was a Machine designed for sheet metal. Keep Going My Friend !
Thanks Ramon I appreciate it! 👍🙏 Don't say it too loud though, there are people here that say this doesn't or cant work (even though it's been used for decades).
35 years ogo I bought a Daytona pocket mig (110v light duty) that had this option as a selling point. Throughout the years I've had multiple migs since I used to make a living as a fabricator. Anyway this info has served me well throughout the years. But I've never changed the liner, always ran wire lube. I blow the liner out with compressed air before running aluminum. Go one size larger on the tip, be sure polarity is right for aluminum. Use knurled rollers (for flux core wire). And use the right aluminum wire. Basically there are two types available use 5356 0.30/8mm with a 0.35 tip. You'll have to run it hot and fast! Practice practice practice and you'll amaze and astound your friends! Plus it's a great thing to have in the ole tool bag of skills
Good luck!
Right on 👍
Been welding for 30 yrs. Most interesting how to I've watched on welding aluminum with a mig. 👍
Thank you very much Duane! 🙏
I did this exact same mod...i bought a new 60$ stinger from yes welder off amazon. And bought the teflon liner. Cut to fit. And reassembled. Works like a fkn dream now...i also shortened my new stinger down to 8ft
Pretty impressive huh! For the money you can't beat it!
For those of us that can't afford a couple of machines really appreciate that. It's nice to know that I can weld aluminum if you need to every once in awhile. Cheers from Atlantic Canada.👍😎🇨🇦
Thank you Anthony for "getting" what this video is about 👍 I thought it was pretty clear that i was trying to offer options but some took it as the be all end all solution to welding aluminum 🤣🤣🤣
This is very informative.I looked for this kind of video.I don't have much money to acquire new welding machine.Now I know it can be done with regular mig welding machine.Thank you man.God bless you
Glad I could help! God bless!
Good job, Brandon. As a former high school vocational instructor, you need to know that you are doing a fine job of getting the material across.
Thank you very much @Mark Fritch I appreciate this. I have to ask, I'm in my early 50's. I've been told that a lot of high schools are doing away with vocational classes. Is this true? I LOVED taking shop class. We had a metal working program at my high school. We rebuilt small engines, we did welding, they taught us life skills like how to change a tire, check your oil and we even did some wood working. I know the schools around me don't have these programs anymore which I think is a shame because these are skills you will have and use forever.
@@BrandonLund Perhaps it'll come Back but the Priorities of the [WOKE] school Board gotta be for the students Rather than useless agendas. I loved SHOP Class in HS. Made my Mom a Hickory chopping block similar to those used in kitchen and butcher shop use. Congrats on your presentation sir.
It's unfortunate that they need to introduce that stuff into the schools. It's disgusting some of the things that are being pushed these days.
Probably learn them how to use a boring mobile phone nowadays. when I was in school we had motorbike classes gocart classes welding fixing engines all the cool stuff @@BrandonLund
Cause most teachers can't.
I have the the "dad" of the machine you have the Hobart "Handler 120". Never noticed the bottom line on the door to change the spool that it lists "aluminum" as a material it will weld. Your video was more than excellent as you covered every issue that can come up. It really didn't hit me until the end of the video when you mentioned the gas for the third time that my Argon/Co2 mix won't work. HA! Well I'm 74 and went through the ranks from mig, stick, flux core, to tig and finally aerospace electron beam welding. Now retired I still do projects on my Hobart mig and love learning more about welding. Happy welding my friend. jerry
I really appreciate that Jerry. Thank you. Enjoy your retirement my friend 👊
I’ve been welding ally with my little Hobart 140 for about 4 years now repairing cast mailboxes. I got the Hobart over Lincoln because the wire feed speed maxes at about 750 ipm vs the Lincoln’s 450 ipm just throwing that in there for people who want to weld aluminum for cheap and have a little easier time
Huh, Very interesting! Thank you for sharing this! Not only did I find this useful I think a lot of others will also! 👍🙏
Brandon, this video is so useful to so many, you have no idea. This was so well thought out and executed. With this tutorial, I think just about anyone could convert their gas mig welder to weld aluminum. You covered all the hard learned mig welder configuration issues I have learned over many years of welding. This is a great help to the community... Thanks for doing this... Joe
Thank you Joe I appreciate this very much. It's always a struggle wondering if everything was covered or if i missed anything. I appreciate the feedback 🙏 👍
He did a fantastic job!
Thank you!
Sorry Timothy. I can't have that.
😮
Very good explanation of converting your Hobart. About 25 years ago I bought a Lincoln MP 15 (220 Volt) at a car show. They had the aluminum conversion kit, it came with a smooth feed wheel. Tried the soft wire 4043 and occasionally had feeding problems, switched to the 5356 and have never had the feeding problem again. I have completed several projects and have never had an issue. I hope others will give it i try.
Thanks @Bob C I've had very good luck as well. 👍
Hey Brandon, what strikes me is that you never remove the sharp edges of the wire when you switch to a Teflon/graphite liner. The sharp edge allows the wire to produce a groove/curl on the inside of the liner. This can cause the wire (especially aluminum, soft) to get stuck. I always use a sandpaper, the point is that the tip of the wire is a bit round. Just a comment and maybe also a tip, have a nice day and greetings, Christian.
Thats a great tip Christian. It's something I take for granted but should have mentioned. 👍
He uses a special laser cutter that leaves a nice smooth edge. You outta get one.
😁
Excellent video!! I doubt that I will convert my 120v MIG to do aluminum, but I'm confident that I could from watching. The content is great, but the production is just as great - the camera (close up & distant), lighting, sound, & especially editing. I am VERY impressed. Thank you.
Thank you so much Bob! I appreciate it!
I just did this exact mod to the same welder a couple months ago. Very nice. I ended up going with bigger diameter wire. Had to turn the voltage up but I was able to back down the speed to 70 or so. Welded a bung to an aluminum oil pan.
Nice man! 👍 these little welders pack a big punch!
My seven plus words to push your video up , very informative, no foul language, much appreciated, thanks , and Lord bless you
Your awesome man thank you and God Bless!
Great video Sir, no bs and very useful info - laid out in clear terms, Thank You! 34 year Master mechanic, still wrenching and
Loving it!
Thanks 👍 I appreciate it!
This is exactly what I was looking for. Got a few years experience welding flux core & 0 experience with aluminum. I have a Lincoln mig welder and will set it up this way and tinker around. Thank you for good instructions/tips. I subscribed.
To @Robert Sanchez, I saw your comment in the threads. Keep your head up brother and keep pushing forward. You’ll be living your dream before you know it. What you’re going through now is just part of the road to get there. I recently retired/ disabled from 22+ years in the military and I’m just now starting my dream of welding. Again, hang in there. We got this 👊🏼
@skeeeter thanks man for your support and sub but honestly what has taken me back the most is your kindness to a complete stranger. We need more of this in this world brother. Thank you for this. Building people up and encouraging them. God Bless you and your family. I commend you and everyone else that has responded to him in a positive way 🙏👊👍
@@BrandonLund absolutely Brother. The internet is full of bullies and bad comments that wouldn’t be made face face. I agree people need to be more supportive of one another and this world would be a better place. Since I found your channel recently, it’s definitely a great place to visit. You have some good subscribers. Great work on your channel. I subscribe also. Btw, I purchased the metal marking pen on Amazon using your link. It arrived quick. Can’t wait to start using it
THICKER PLATES ARE DOABLE! Leave a gap, chamfer the joint, let the gas torch do some of the work- and multiple passes, BUT...
*** DUTY CYCLE!!*** Adhere or burn out your welder.
Great video! I didn't know that! THANK YOU!
Yah this machine will easily do thicker material. It's the thin stuff that can be difficult
When welding thick stock use helium or a mix of argon and helium. Sometimes a preheat is used.
DUDE I don't know why but I had it in my head this wouldn't work BUT you busted that myth. Thanks for showing this to us and giving us tips and details. You are awesome Dude. If I ever get a bigger welder, I can convert my little one for aluminum.
I'm here to help brother! 😎😁🙏
I saved a bit of time by getting another gun to run alloy, saves time. One gun for steel wire,one gun to run alloy, that way you just change guns without having to change the liner. It's worth the $ for the extra gun.
That's an excellent idea and you can find them.online for not a lot of money. Well done!
Great video!! Thanks for sharing. I’ve got one of these 140s I keep in the back of a Chevy Tahoe. I power it with a Westinghouse Igen 4500 generator and use it for small to medium size welding jobs around the farm. These type jobs make up over 90% of the repairs I run into. Great information brother!!!! God bless.
Right on man. It's hard to beat these transformer machines. These mig machines are comparable to the old ac buzz boxes. They take a beating and keep on working. God Bless you brother!
I can't believe I stayed half a hour to see how you can convert an usual MIG to weld aluminum, when I don't even own a welding machine, let alone of welding something.
Boy, you're a very good teacher, if you were able to hold me here, instead of reading about politics, I give you that.
True, my next tool would be a 3 in 1 welding machine, but the way you explain things captivated my attention.
I'll have to come back these days to dig up other secrets you might hiding, so we'll meet soon. Until then, if it's possible to gain knowledge about the usual welding by reading stuff, then re-direct me to some sites to try to master this domain, although I don't really want to go professional, just to do a good job.
@outstanding1448 this probably ranks in the top 10 nicest comments I have received. Thank you very much for your kind words. There is a LOT of information on welding and there is also a LOT of misinformation. One thing i do different than others is i like to experiment with different filler metals and I also like to test machines to see IF they can do what they claim. Another good channel you can trust with solid information is Welding Tips and Tricks.
@@BrandonLund, I'm really glad I managed to put a smile on your face, considering that I do involuntarily resemble Bender. You are a nice lad, I can tell that by your genuine smile. I do believe you're here to help us, Not necessarily for internet points, like.... Mr.Whostheboss, who's ejecting shallow videos, bringing Nothing useful to cultural legacy we leave behind. Imagine that guy has over 10 million subscribers, projecting a fake smile and inserting "that what she said" in almost every video.
The information on internet is overwhelming, thus discouraging. If you have a good website where they cover it all, remaining only for one to practice, then I'd be happy to dig in.
Always remember that youtube is for people like you.
So you made me smile again man. What a nice thing to say. The world needs more people like you in it. Thanks again and I appreciate your support and kind words. FYI I haven't heard of that person you mentioned but you got me curious now so I got to go check it out. Thanks again 👍♥
Great video. I just picked up a Hobart 140 2 days ago to replace the one I left behind in Alaska. Just FYI, I have run 4043 wire through a (brand new) metal liner for a small project involving cast aluminum. Different machine. Had to keep that whip dang near strait, but it worked good.
Yah 4043 is super hard to run without problems through a liner. I've given up on it lol. The 140 is an awesome machine. A real workhorse for sure
I don't even own a welder or know how to weld, But I was watching every single minute of this video. lol I do however, need a little Mig for my Hotrod projects, so time to get moving on this new adventure. Thanks for sharing, appreciate it. Cheers from Motown.
What an awesome comment! Thanks man! @robertclymer6948
This is the video i was waiting for! Brandon you nailed it imo! You answered every question i had and gave some great tips. I saved this video and will watch it over a few times im sure. I really thought my old 120V welder would do it but the amps are not there. So, i will wait to see if im the lucky winner of the next welder giveaway. Thanks again Brondon!! 😎
Thanks Brian I appreciate it! 🙏 👍😁🍺
Thank you so much! I was just researching how to weld aluminum with my welder this morning, and there’s your video with my exact welder! You answered all of my big questions
Glad I could help!
Remember the rules for MIG or TIG welding aluminum: use only Argon, or for a hotter weld a mix of Argon and Helium. It's also very important that aluminum be clean or it won't weld at all. No oil, grease, paint or gum from labels. If it's not clean use a small disc sander and then clean it with acetone or laquer thinner. In the industry 5356 filler rod is always used, as opposed to 4043, so if the part is Black anodized the weld does not turn white.
Great video! I'm going to set up a gun and liner for aluminum. I do mostly steel, but occasionally I need to do aluminum. Was always told had to have a dedicated machine for everything! I'm not a professional or do this for a living, so this is going to be wonderful! BTW, I checked out my mig and it has settings in the owners manual but not on the machine like yours. I don't know how I missed that, I usually read everything in manuals. I guess people telling me it couldn't be done just blinded me! Lol! Thanks for your time and sharing! 👍😎✌️( Oh yes, and a bottle of argon)
You know something James this is a lot like welding cast iron. There is a lot of conflicting misinformation out there. Usually the people that say it cant be done have either never tried it first hand or they skipped one of the steps that I listed in the video and it gave them poor results. This process has been around for a couple decades but I cant help but think it's not overly advertised because if you can convert your machine for 25 bucks for occasional welding, why would someone spent 800 dollars to buy a new machine that can do the same thing.
@@BrandonLund Exactly! I'm really tickled I saw your video... I also subscribed! It also reminds me not to believe everything you hear, and, take a little more time reading my manuals! Thanks Brandon!
Thanks James and I appreciate the Sub! 👍🙏
Dude that last part killed me! Isn't that the truth. It seems the ones that can't weld have the loudest voice lol 😆
I have welded with aceytelyn and oxygen miles and miles of copper pipe for A/C units on condos and commercial for new construction from 1/4 to 1 3/8" inside dimensions with silver sodier. Had a Lincoln stick welder I used for a lawn service on the side. Bought it out of necessity when a leaf spring broke away from an axle on an old rusted trailer. During Rainey season in Florida I'm laying in 3" of flood water arc welding the axle to new leaf springs and brackets. Read welding books and hope I could repair it and not die at the same time. The weld looked like peanut butter on both sets of leaf springs but it was a strong weld and never broke loose. Had no time for practice had to get the trailer welded and no one else wanted to do the Joe so I did it. That was 35 or 40 years ago and after all this time I'm currently living in the Philippines and have a desire to buy a welding machine to use primary for motorcycle mods and repairs. At 64 years old. Want to race motorcross again but my body saids no. Always loved being able to make things or modify them, remodeling houses, making cabinets. The welder will sit unused most of the time but it would be great to have to make mods and repairs. I can get a 200 amp arc welder for 50 us dollars here new and a 300 amp for just under 100 dollars. A flux core mig welder around 100 or a little more. Getting argon is not an option on this small island in the Philippines. And I would not use it enough to warrant it's cost. Basically I'm a new by with very little welding experience. Cannot decide on 200 amp or 300 or arc or mig flux core. Will never weld anything over 1/4" and most likely metals for brackets and stuff. Rusted out cracked motorcycle frames. A lot of cheap china motorcycles here with poor grade metals that rust out with high humidity and salt water from near the Pacific ocean. People are poor here and I don't mind helping them with simple welds. Retired have time to learn now.
I apprecaite you watching and commenting. Welcome aboard!
If you weld on a spring it will just crack again. If you preheat the spring is no good.
When you're preheating it with your torch, that'd be the ideal time to use your wire brush on it before you weld, to break up the oxide layer, and it'll weld alot better nomatter what process you use.
Thats a pretty good tip 👍
A number of years ago I built an aluminum skiff - 5052, 5356 wire - did everything you did but still had trouble with birds nest every so often. You did mention the gas for aluminum but not the flow rate. Not a big deal, but the proper flow rates, if you do a lot of welding will save some $$. Miller welder, no spool gun add on in that machine. Because the boat was lofted frames for the shape meant that the preheat was not lost on a table. As a final note a 12' sheet will yield a 11' 3" dink. Was a lot of fun to build.
Pretty slick! 👊
Brandon,
Thank you for a very good and informative video. I've got that same welder and this is fantastic to know.
A long time ago I worked in a pipe mill in Oklahoma with a Great bunch of guys. We all worked together well and learned a bunch from each other. I was an Electrician but was working with a welder on a large aluminum trough. Jerry said that to preheat the aluminum to the correct temperature that I should first run a carbon rich flame on the opposite side from where he would be welding. Then from the correct side use a neutral flame to heat the aluminum to where the carbon on the other side just disappeared. That was the the temperature he wanted the aluminum at and yes, the weld turned out beautiful.
I also worked at a bottling plant ant the welders there had different wire wheel, brushes, cutters and whatever for stainless and for mild steel. So I understand about using different tools for aluminum to prevent contamination.
Thats aweome Alan. Flame and even material color to determine temperature has always fascinated me.
I never MIG welded aluminum before I watched this video. I bought the recommended liner and swapped out the steel liner on my Millermatic 211. Using the recommended 030" ER5356 wire, 100% Argon , and .035 tips I started laying down some almost acceptable beads on aluminum coupons. I also had a number of burn backs, ruined tips, wire loops at the drive roll, and blow throughs. I tried a number of settings. I went back online for clues on how to get better. I was surprised to see how different the technique is for Aluminum compared to steel. I found: some tips that helped including running hot and fast (no forward back, no e's) as well as to keep the stick out to 3/4". Thanks for getting me started!
Thats awesome man. Always push with aluminum. Keep your whip as straight as possible. 3/4 to 1" stickout and I use very little manipulation. It takes some practice but in little time you will be stacking dimes 👍
Brandon, thank you very much for the demonstration. When I bought my multiprocess welding machine a year ago I had read that there was a Teflon liner available for my machine. I was wanting to find out more about it before I went ahead to purchase it, now that you've shown us the process these are going to be in my Christmas wish list😁😁
Right on man! You are going to have a blast
Could it be done with stainless steel
@@rudymarrero9222 Stainless would not require the Teflon liner. The Teflon is for aluminium wire which is soft and could snag easily in the torch liner. Using the standard metal liner for stainless wire is fine.
I have a Hobart 175 and did the same. It worked pretty damn good. Did not do much with other than a new liner(not teflon) and that was it. After changing the liner back to my steel, did I NOTICED I never changed the MIXED gas to Argon. lolol With that said, I'm sure the welds will be spot on.
Remember the rules for MIG or TIG welding aluminum: use only Argon, or for a hotter weld a mix of Argon and Helium. It's also very important that aluminum be clean or it won't weld at all. No oil, grease, paint or gum from labels. If it's not clean use a small disc sander and then clean it with acetone or laquer thinner. In the industry 5356 filler rod is always used, as opposed to 4043, so if the part is Black anodized the weld does not turn white.
@@georgebuck2269..which wire should be used for welding a crack in an alum. Suv transfer case 5356 or 4043?
@@Lou-eye 4043 is recomended for aluminum castings. But more important is that you preheat the transfer case so it won't crack after you finish the weld. The idea being not to start a hot TIG weld on a cold casting. And don't let it cool off, finish the weld first before going to lunch. If you stripped it down with no seals, gears or bearings in it, it's ok to heat it up with the torch. If it's full of rubber seals go easy on the preheat.
@@georgebuck2269great info on both of your comments. You should have a channel!
Hey Brandon, Awesome knowledge, explanations, training, details! Saves a ton of dry boring small print reading. Thanks for making this video!!! I like this waaay better than the bulky, unbalanced spool guns. Enough so that I suspect I'll be dedicating a welder and gun set up for aluminum....Thanks again!
Thanks man! If you set it up right it's pretty slick.
Thanks Brandon, if I get my Millermatic dusted off and in my new shop. Ill try this.
Gonna enjoy teaching grand sons, 13yr old Twins how to "make it work" with what you got.
Thanks Chris I appreciate it. Enjoy your time with the grandkids. It's the best!
Remember the rules for MIG or TIG welding aluminum: use only Argon, or for a hotter weld a mix of Argon and Helium. It's also very important that aluminum be clean or it won't weld at all. No oil, grease, paint or gum from labels. If it's not clean use a small disc sander and then clean it with acetone or laquer thinner. In the industry 5356 filler rod is always used, as opposed to 4043, so if the part is Black anodized the weld does not turn white.
Great presentation as usual Brandon!
I was unaware a DC only machine could weld aluminum. I just learned a lot about the differences of the different waveforms in school. We were TIG welding aluminum in my Fabrication class so this topic in general is very timely for me.
Thank you for showing us how to convert our machines to do this.
Thanks Shasta. A lot of production shops and trailer manufacturers use this setup because it's quick. They often add a push pull system but everything else is basically the same
@Rich Pitty there are folks here that have been welding for years and didn't even know this was possible. That's who this video is for. Buying a TIG machine to do an occasional aluminum repair may not be desireable to some folks. I like to offer solutions and this is just another option for people to use. Knowledge is power.
@@BrandonLund good to know! Thank you! I just got the Everlast 255 TIG welder so I can practice my aluminum but i like knowing that for situations where that may not be a feasible thing to do...that the job can still be done.
As always, keep up the good work! Looking forward to tomorrow's video!!!
Thats awesome! Congratulations!
@@Shasta_Rayne The secret for making a great looking aluminum TIG weld is the metal has to be clean. Aluminum is the only common metal that has to free of oil, grease, paint and gum from labels. Grind it, file it or whatever you have to do. Laquer thinner or acetone and some scotch brite works wonders. The military spec for welding aluminum is to etch it in an acid tank. Not sure, but it might be phosphoric acid.
Great Vid, when I bought a liner and tank for my Lincoln years ago, the desk informed me the liner was needed as anything that had touched steel would contaminate the weld. That would include using a steel wire brush to clean the aluminum to be welded. Watched a body shop vid that said to have a totally different set of tools for working on any aluminum, and a different isolated (grinding dust maybe) area of the shop...not very practical, but appears contamination is a real issue on repairs.
Some people will tell you it's ok to use the metal liner. They are wrong but it's their project so I'm not going to argue. You were given very solid advise. I actually have an aluminum plate that I weld on to eliminate contamination. Aluminum needs to be kept very clean with no steel touching it
Yes sir you are correct. Always use a stainless wire brush for aluminum.
Thanks Brandon, this helps set up my snap-on mig welder for aluminum , way to go !!
Glad I could help!
That's what Fitzee says. "Stick around." This is a great channel.
Apparently so. You are the 3rd or 4th person to say this. I will be saying "stay tuned" going forward. Hopefully no one else says that LOL
@@BrandonLund Sorry. I know, you didn't need to hear that. Forget I said it. Good videos.
Another great vid, Brandon! I had no idea you could do this, very informative and a boon to those that have a value priced MIG and have a few "friends" with a few aluminum weld needs.
Thanks man! Yah this is a sweet setup for not a lot of money.🙏👍
I've got this exact welder. I've had it for going on 3 years and never knew or even noticed that it could do such a thing. thanks for the educational video.
I'm glad to help Jon 👍
Thanks Brandon for sharingthis!. Your step by step explanations are clear, no nonsense and to the point. I am having welding evening classes as a 56 year old and I love to learn new things. Hope to try this out one day...
Awesome, thank you! I hope you enjoy your class!
Fantastic job of explaining everything. Very detailed, concise and clear.
Thanks Dwight I appreciate it! 🙏
Your intro was perfect, exactly why I clicked on the video.
Thanks for not being an arrogant ass like many of the welders on TH-cam and fully realising not everyone has unlimited funds for hobby's.
I had always thought a spool gun was absolutely necessary but you proved it isn't.
I doubt I will ever do alloy welding, I think I've only needed an aluminium part welded once in the last 23 years (although it was pretty expensive at about $55 an inch of weld in 2014)
Subscribed as I like your approach to 'teaching'
Thanks man I appreciate the sub and your support. Being someone who grew up with some pretty rough equipment I know what works and how to get every ounce I can get out of a machine lol
Great job! Thanks for the effort of making and sharing your experimental video with the rest of us. It takes a lot of devotion and time to create such an informative video, which you have captured here. So a tip of the hat to you for it. Cheers!
I have a couple of Lincoln's that I've had now for dang near ten years or more, good little 110 machines. One maxes out at 90a the other 100 or 110a I think. JUST got a Harbor Freight Titanium Mig140 for work though (30% @ 90a), so I wouldn't have to bring one of my Lincolns in all the time for railing fab and such, and my god do I love it. I've also used plenty of big boy welders over the years, so I know what good feels like... and I NEVER thought a small 110 welder could feel this kind of good. Plus, where Hobart, Miller, Lincoln, etc always give you the old A, B, C, D power setting plus wire feed speed via the old mechanical knobs. This Titanium gives you fully linear control, digital control that is, for Voltage, WFS, and Inductance. . . And I thought this would complicate things, but no... literally from the first bead to now, some week or so and many welds later, it's freaking great. It also has full compatibility out of the box with spool guns. Then there's the Mig170.... a 110/220 hybrid with dongle adapter to plug into either. You get the better duty cycle out of the 110 with limited power, but still a good cycle even at 220 with UBER power... and it does Mig, FC, Tig, and something else... can't remember what the other item is... it's the one I want to personally buy though. But yeah, the Mig140 I got for work was freaking $370 out the door, after membership discount. $450 otherwise.... $400 with a new membership / paying the $30 price to get it. I can't believe how good these things are... time will tell if they're still with me with zero maintenance some ten plus years later, like the Lincolns.... but I suspect they may be... Given the reviews on them, and the time they've been up. And my either one of my Lincolns were easily twice the price, or more... The smaller one was purchased as a FC only machine, which I later converted to full mig (adding gas ability)... the other was basically the same machine, I think ten amps more, with gas already included. Either way they each ended up around $900 - $1000 all said and done... Similar to what most stores have an equivalent new Lincoln priced at, with similar power, gas ability, etc. Yet here you get SO MUCH MORE, for under $400.... I honestly can't believe it... and.... annnd... every single item feels better made. From the lightweight but heavier duty unit itself, to the controls, to the braided gas hose that I admit I stole for myself... giving work one of my old plasticy lines. Even the regulator is better than what you get with a big name. It's massively impressive. . . And heck, I guess even if it only lasts half the time it wouldn't be a bad deal at less than half the price... but I suspect it's gonna last the long haul.
I haven't tried any of the newer Harbor Freight welders. I would love to get my hands on one but some of these 110 welders can pack a big punch!
I bought all the gear to do TIG welding but could never make it work because my machine had TOO MANY knob on it that I didn't know what they did. I wouldn't say your welds were that fantastic, but at least you did it. If you have a second MIG welder, then convert it for occasional TIG use would make sense.
Keep in mind that this is with zero practice. The same results that anyone trying it would expect. I don't pretend I'm better than anyone by practicing and getting my settings perfect beforehand. I prefer to be genuine
To set up a TIG welder use the AC setting for aluminum, with a mix of argon or argon/Helium gas only. Switch on the high frequency with the choice of the continuous setting. And don't forget to turn on the water circulating pump or the plastic hoses will melt.
@@georgebuck2269 Water circulation pump? WT? I've never seen a water cooled TIG machine before. I had pur ARGON, but still just blew holes in everything. If somewonew had of set it up for me, I could weld fine.
@@doraexplora9046 In a factory setting 100% of all TIG machine torches are water cooled and also a few MIG machines that are high current for welding heavy stock. They do make air cooled TIG torches but are never used, except for hobby guys, they get too hot. Each TIG machine has a seperate pump to circulate water through the torch. I was a 35 year welder and also did maintenance on all welding machines. Spot welding machines are also water cooled.
@@georgebuck2269 Thanks Uncle Buck. I never knew the heavy duty machines were water cooled. Only ever seen light sheet metal machines that are air cooled.
I bought a Lincoln 120v mig about 30 years ago, in the info, it said if you wanted to do aluminum to switch to the Teflon liner and use a rubber drive wheel to keep it from bird nesting at the drive. That has worked great for me, 1 extra thing I do to make switching the liner a tad easier, is after I remove the metal liner, I use the air nozzle and blow out the torch line.
Thats a great tip @Steve M thanks for sharing!
Hey Brandon watching this video all the way over in Brisbane Australia ! Mate I was about to spend a whole lot of money on my mig welder that would have been totally useless had i not watched this video your tips and highlights are tremendous i have now ordered the correct gear i need for this project im about to have a crack at cheers brother
Right on! I'm glad I could help! I appreciate your support 🙏
I found this video all around helpful. I'm a novice that just bought a used Hobart Handler. Mine is a 220v though.
The 190? You can't go wrong with Hobart. They are bulletproof. That welder will easily mig aluminum.
Awesome, thank you for sharing. I'm an old retired fart and picked up a cheap used MIG welder. I only new how to ARC & Acetylene weld. With the now high price of gas wire feed seemed like the best alternative for little DIY & auto repair projects. With your tip I can save the $200+ on a feed roller gun. 👍
Thanks man and enjoy!
I've never welded but have serious designs on buying a machine soon. This opens the door to an even wider possibility of what can be done. Well made video thank you
Thanks Greg I appreciate it! 🙏
Thank you for an informative video! My first welder was a flux core machine I picked up at Lowes before I knew anything - naturally. I soon discovered just how easy it was with flux core to make incredibly poor welds! Blobs, BBs, lack of penetration, spurts...you name, I learned how to do it all VERY WELL! I also eventually learned the "secret" of overcoming all the FC limitations and turning out some amazingly uniform, full-thickness welds that indeed had a near stacked dimes look though I prefer a little S2S stir that does wonders in washing the molten metal into the substrate. With perfect welds and a good brushing afterward, people can be fooled into thinking they're seeing MIG welds!
I eventually bought an Eastwood 180 with the aluminum spool gun that has sat in the garage for about 3 years now awaiting a project worthing of a genuine MIG machine! How about that, I finally get a decent MIG machine and haven't gotten around to using it!
I love welding aluminum. I don't always mention it on the channel but I never practice any of my first welds (aluminum, steel or any other metal) and I dont mess with any settings prior to welding. I set it to where I think it should be set and I fire up the camera. The first shot the viewer sees is my first weld. I think that keeps it real so that when viewers dont get an immediate stack of times on their first try they know why and what to expect. As you know, getting the perfect setting takes a few minutes of padding beads to get travel speed and settings right. I think I might have a spool gun for this machine. I might have to try it with some 4043
I had no idea my MIG could be modified to weld aluminium. Great Video, everything is well explained.
Glad you liked it!
I have been welding aluminum with my Hobart handle for years and people sit don't believe it. I would repair transmission and any other aluminum parts with great Success.
Don't say that too loud. There are a few welding inspectors in the room that say it can't be done 🤣😁👍
fifth month, forth day, of year two thousand and twenty three... 5/4/03. I just found you today and so for a first impression was to instantly subscribe.... your a sharp young man... I am a old man, crippled to the point of dang near "whats the use", just ain't ready for a toe tag yet. I did heavy equipment till It was just too hard from prior accidents that raise their heads. I like making stuff as well as the repairing of old junk that guys had.. its all they had enough money to use for their daily jobs. I would love to watch just how you do brass welding with a mig machine... cause you addressed everything I needed to know about this idea of a mig for aluminum. I want to thank you for your tutorial welding video
Thanks Morgan! I appreciate your support. I love fixing up old equipment. There is a feeling of pride getting something back in service that someone discarded. I appreciate it man and I might have to give brass repair a try 👍
That is an amazing thought that you put out there. I am one of those guys who kept the thought that you answered for me today and I'm sure I'm not the only one. So thanks man for confirming what I thought was possible but my extra "safety" first attitude would get in the way. Not anymore thanks to you braddah...Stoked in Kunia, Hawaii R. Walker..Aloha and Mahalo..
That is awesome! Thanks man!
Wow. I need/want to weld aluminum. Sold my tig welder when I made my move to Florida to retire. Gives me the idea of setting up a whip for steel and one for aluminum. My welder has an old liner in it anyway. Swap the bottle, then the whip and move switch the polarity wires.
Right on @chuckgilbert2035 it's literally that easy! A lot of people don't realize just how easy it is to get professional results for not a lot of money. Your right about the spare whip though. That's really the way to do it. In about the same time it takes to change a roll of wire you can pretty much be setup to weld aluminum 👍
Great tips. For convenience, I’d keep extra set of torch line specific for aluminum.
That's a good idea!
Fixing your dirt bike silencer mounting bracket is a great example of something this would be perfect for.
Absolutely! 👌
Hi there, i have always used a tig at the shop for many years but now dont have access to it. I've been curious about converting a mig over & after watching this video, it won't be a problem. Thank you for the awesome video on converting.
I'm glad to help! Thanks for watching!
I have an Esab Rebel.
I actually bought a cheap Harbor Freight gun and modified the plug and connection to work on my ESAB. Saved me major $ over an expensive gun type.
I might still look at doing the liner mod since it would be easier in tight places.
Thanks
Thats the way to do it and you save of bunch of money too. It's just as good in my opinion
Wonderfully done. As a novice this instructional video is everything I needed to get started. Great teaching skills Sir!
Thank you Dan I appreciate it!
I think most of what a newbie needs to know was covered in your video, maybe the bench was taking most of your preheat. Use a piece of pine timber like a pencil to test preheat, when it looks like you have used a wax crayon on the material the temp is good. A must is to get rid of the oxidization on the aluminium, this will reform after about twenty minutes. All said a clear and precise video, thanks.
I brushed it. That's plenty for padding beads in a demonstration. A torch was used for the reason given in the video.
Replacing steel liner is a must, I tried to get by with steel liner. Sometimes it worked Sometimes it didnt...get the Teflon liner!!!
Spot on, plus you limit all that previous steel trash from contaminating your aluminum wire
@@BrandonLund and contamination is the biggest problem with welding Aluminum.
Brother Very nicely done, this video is very well explained and taught. You would make a beautiful high school shop teacher. Don't know if schools these days have shop class. I did back in the 80's, Wood shop and metal shop, learned so much, it's a dying shame young kids/adults can't learn these things, so to you my brother, my friend beautiful video ❤️
Thank you so much for that compliment! I appreciate it. I think most shop classes ended with a lot of other important life classes like home economics. I had wood and metal shop and loved it
Yes, trade school is the way to go. I did 33 years in welding amd general metal fab after graduating.
this is so awesome! I am definitely going to play with my mig set-up now. I have a spare whip, so if this works out, then I can just keep it set up vs. pulling apart the liners.
Thanks man! Yah having a spare setup is really the way to go. You can swap out the whip pretty fast.
Very well presented my good sir. Ya learned me a new trick for my mig. Heads up, Miller 141 has the same exact wire hub feed set up. Spring loaded push, rotate, select. You are helping me learn ridiculously fast. Thank you for all your efforts. Very thorough. From start to finish.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it brother!
thanks I always use a spool gun but this convinced me. A good 200 A Mig inverter with pulse and you are the king of the hill. I think knurled drive rolls would be better and would not flatten the wire in the contact tip.
This is a pretty sweet setup especially for the money. A short mig whip helps too
I really enjoyed this video. As a non-welder, I learned a lot from your video. Thank you, good work.
Thank you very much!
Good video Brandon Very rare most people don't know you can used a old machine to weld aluminum with a Liner
Thanks man I appreciate it! 🙏
Gday Brandon,
Thanks for taking the time to make and post this great info. I’ve just picked up a 15ft, 50 year plus old Ali fishing boat that has had all sorts of different things bolted and removed from it. I’m changing over my Mig to Ali to fill all the old dash cut out’s/bolt holes etc and tidy it up. Am sure there will be issues for me as the original old Ali seems harder than the sheet I bought for patching the larger holes/cut outs. Lots more to learn for me I’m sure, but I’m loving it. I’m impressed with the quality of your vids. I’ve liked and subscribed. I owe you a beer.
Cheers from Oz 👍👍🍻
I appreciate that man thanks for the like and sub! And don't get discouraged with the AL boat. They are thin and this process will make it challenging. A piece of copper on the back side to act as a heat sink will help if you find yourself burning through
@@BrandonLund
Great tip, thanks. I’ve had a full day of practicing on the bench with off cuts and challenging it is to say the least! 😁 Most of my repairs are on the gunnel tops/side decks and the dash. So I can put doublers of Ali behind to help with increasing the thickness. I’m definitely staying away from the thin, pressed bottom plating. The bit of pitting there will be epoxy filled.
Thanks for all info,
Cheers 👍👍🍻
I was under the impression that you had to have ac to weld aluminum. I tried using a spool gun with my old Millermatic 135, but no luck and I didn't know to try and switch the polarity. I will give it another try. I bought a Everlast stick and tig machine and it has ac for the tig on aluminum. I,m too old and really shaky so tig for me is almost impossible. I think I could do better with the mig though. Thanks for sharing this and I will give it a try since all I have to do is plug the mig gun into the other connection. Thanks for sharing!
Right on man! Good luck and let me know how you made out!
I have a Miller 211 and just picked up a spool gun and my next is an argon bottle. Can't wait to get some seat time welding aluminum
It's a lot of fun. It can be frustrating at first but once you get your settings dialed in its like buttering toast. Super satisfying.
Besides Jody's Welding Tips and Tricks, yours is another one of my favorite welding channels. Thanks for making this video brother! Cheers!🍻
Wow, thanks! I take that as an honor! He just hit 1 million subs!
Should try it with Helium, I seen a lot of people say that was the way to go. Never tried it myself though
Helium.is good but super expensive. You dont really see the benifits on thin metal as you will on thicker stuff.
Yes, for a hotter weld with more penatration use helium or a mix of argon and helium.
When I make serious changes to serious equipment, I make notes on print paper, part numbers, gas, tips, liner & receipts of everything inside a zip lock bag! My MIG is a 1984 and huge, but inside the wire drive side, I place all this inside away from moving parts. Even extra steel wire spools from rusting over time. You don't weld everyday in a home shop. Do NOT depend on WD-40 to protect the wire as it evaporates. So if your son has to take over, the info is in there. No guessing, mistakes or damage like a polarity change. Photos in black & white can be used for notes, info, part numbers, the welder lives on for decades.
Even if in your late 30's, this increases the ability to "Sell" or use within the next Gen.
My 36 year old son complains because I never taught him. I did, he doesn't remember. But photos are forever with notes inside bag! After that, they don't need to weld!
DK, ASE master tech since 78.
Thats excellent advise Dean! 👌
Very nice, complete video with one omission: The argon tank & regulator. Just browsing, they cost well over $25. Check with your local welding gas supplier for specifics.
Yah you need those for sure
Excellent and informative. I haven’t tried it with my HH 135 . If I was going to do it fairly oftenI think follow the advice from the old HH Weld Talk board. Thats buying a SHORT dedicated whip to make the aluminum feed easily as possible . That would solve most of the binding issues .
I got the same welder for free...I have a multiprocessing welder already for my main welder...I just wanna be able to tac up aluminum or do a small project here and there and I have 100% argon already for doing tig so I setup my little 140 for this specifically to only get out in the occasion I have to stick aluminum together. Thanks for sharing!
Your welcome and that's a great score picking that up for free. The 140's sell for around 450-500 in our area on Marketplace.
Welder here, that is a lot to ask of a 120V welder. Totally sucks when the wire sticks and wire has to be rethreaded. Been there done that when I was young in my own shop. An old Airco 450amp welder. Now I have a 350 amp Miller inverter style with a wire pull motor in the torch. Only for Alum. MIG welding.
Best thing I learn from a Boeing aircraft welder is using a TIG welder but not on AC with HF Continuous start but Straight DC, sharp point Tungsten, HF start only and using 100% Helium. No preheat required on sections that are thick. .25 plate Tees 12" squares as an example. Puddle forms in 4 seconds.
Most folks don't even know this is possible. That's what this is about. I'm just trying to shed some light and help some folks out rather than people thinking they have to buy a new welder to do some occasional aluminum welding.
Yes sir you are correct. It's used for TIG welding thin brackets on thick Aluminum plates. Most welders never heard of it.
Just watched your video, 'cause as i said b4 internet here in our new place is not good. But just the same i learned another thing from you. Nice video. Keep doing your good deeds of helping other. Thank you. God Bless.
Thanks and God Bless!
I'm sure you weren't expecting a terminology lesson, but graphite and graphene are essentially the same base component but radically different products. Graphite for industrial use is powdered carbon that's been exposed to tremendous heat and pressure (and graphitized, naturally), but normally used as a dry lubricative element. Graphene is single atom thick carbon sheets (yes, so small and thin that it's basically invisible to the human eye) but makes a wonderful additive for a lot of things, presuming you can find/make it. Most graphene on the market is nanoplatelet particles and not true graphene. (I happen to make graphene about a quart at a time and it takes round about a week to do it correctly).
The blue liner in your video is typically found as PTFE, more commonly known by the trade name Teflon. It's readily available as 3D printer feed line and also relatively self-lubricated, though you can spray the line with dry lube containing graphite for mig feeding, which shouldn't be any worse than a Very fine layer of dirt particle if contaminants are a concern that would be on the wire roll anyway from manufacture and general exposure.
Very interesting and thank you for sharing your experience 🙏👍.
I use PTFE - teflon silver plated wire for my linear power supplies. The customers require it. It's only hobby stuff no military certs required. It never melts even under the hot soldering iron. From a 35 year welder.
Been long time but emergency minor fix better than nothing . Better than I have these days
I agree 100 percent!
very good instructional! I'm motivated again to close youtube for now and head into the garage to familiarize myself once again with ol hobart then head to the welding supply store.
Go for it!
Cool man. That is the exact welder that I got from my dad! I run it at 220 in my shop. Thanks for the tip.
Very cool!
Hey guys, I have used the same hh 140 for the last 10 or 15 years. Ran 10lbs or more of 5356 wire.
Last large project (6 years ago) 40 ft sailboat mast broken in half.(backyard project)
TIP, most important thing for me to keep from BIRD NESTING was to keep the welder positioned well above work piece.
Water flows best down hill, mig torch and hose as straight as possible angled down hill.
Plenty of mapp gas or torch for heat, aluminum acts as a heat sink.
Hope the tip helps someone.
Very good info in the video!!
Thanks for making the video & sharing your knowledge.
All excellent points you made! Thanks for watching and sharing.
This was an exceptional video, THANK-YOU for putting your time together to make this. It was much appreciated brother!
Thank you so much!
I've got a little Lincoln 125 plus I've had for 10 years it's not the best but I've done a lot with my little welder. This video is great cause it's not showing the best way but it shows you can get it done with what you have if you really want to
Spot on brother! I had a cheapo Chicago Electric 140 back in the day and I built trailers and all sorts of stuff. You don't need to have top of the line equipment to get good results.
Machines with double pulse feature are recommended for aluminum welding with mig machine. I have a double pulse machine, but it is still very difficult to weld aluminum at the same quality every time. It is important to preheat the part. You should also remove the oxide layer with a brush before welding. I tried this method for a few months, but then I had to buy a machine with AC feature. Thanks for the video.
It works great. You just have to pracrice. This is how most production trailers are built.
Tip from a retired Welder If you cut your wire on a sharp angle it will start perfectly every time This will give high resistance ,thus high heat contact Balled ends will stub and spatter
Great tip!
I'll also add about the grooves on the drive, you want a smooth U drive, as the knurled groove for steel wire, can cause knurling in the alum wire, and damage you ptfe liner, the tip, and can make the wire easier to bend or snap. Tons of companies make parts for thr top 4 Welder brands. Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, and ESAB. ESAB may not be well known to non-pros.. They are also expensive, and if you own one, then you probably own a tig for aluminum already. Lol
👍
Hi Brandon. I don‘t want to sound smart but i did the same thing lets say 25 yrs ago when someone asked me if i could put aluminum in his foodtrucs so he could wash em after spilling on the floor and walls of his truck.
So i did the same as you did with exeption of reversing + and - cables.
I did need to keep a straight line with the liner so i bought a short one which worked better. I finished his trucks and it all worked great. After that i bought a handle that pulled the aluminum wire through the liner.
After that it worked even better.
To let you know i live in the Netherlands were we have 220 volts instead of 110.
Greetings Steven
Hey Steven thanks for your comment. Those guns are called a push pull setup. They work really nice. You can also get a spool gun which is what I generally use to weld aluminum, but this method works too if your patient but as you mentioned, it does have its limitations. Thanks for commenting!
I appreciate the ingenuity presented here along with the detailed demonstration. Maybe a $100 knock-off spool gun is just easier for switching processes.
If the budget allows I highly reccomend going that route. Then your not swapping liners and you get the added bonus of not having any feeding issues that can be problematic with this method.