I'm not a serious welder by any means, just a hobbyist. I was wondering if you can weld aluminum with mig? I heard you can run different gas and it will work? Not sure if someone is shitting me or not. Also, is it possible to weld aluminum with flux core wire fed welder? Thanks in advance for my noob *** question.

 

If you search this forum for 'mig' and 'aluminum' you will find several threads covering this.

Basically, yes, you can Mig aluminum and it works quite well with thicker aluminum. For example, most commercial aluminum work, like trailers,e tc. are built with Mig. welders. You should shield with argon and will have the best results with a spool gun (fewer birds nests). I had a Clarke spool gun that I swapped back and forth between stainless and aluminum for several years.

It is not very versatile, however and does not work well at all on thinner aluminum stock. If you are going to do much aluminum welding, I strongly recommend a Tig.

If you absolutely have to use the Mig:

- use a spool gun or at least get the teflon (I think) liner for your gun. Otherwise, it will tangle frequently because the wire is so soft.
- work fast. You will need to learn to move considerably faster than when you Mig mild steel
- shield with argon
- avoid very thin stock (it will burn through with a Mig)
- make sure it is very, very clean

Best of luck with your project

 

Thanks for the tips!

 

also you have to remember to change out the teflon liner when you weld mild steel again because the steel wire could tear the teflon liner.