What is the best welder for aluminum welding?
The answer to this question is more than just one weld – it depends on what type of welding application you will use the welder for. For example, if your application falls into the category of high frequency arc welding, you should find a welder that has dual frequency capability. Meanwhile, if your application falls into the category of low frequency stick welding, you need a flux core wire feed welder.
The welding process can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. But don’t let this long list of things to learn scare you – we’ve got the answer!
We don’t want to keep you in the dark – so here are some basic but important facts about aluminum welding that will help you find the best welder for your job.
Aluminum is a lighter metal than steel or iron, so the welders and the machines to weld with them are smaller.
Because of its light weight, aluminum does not need large amounts of heat to be melted. As such, welder settings for aluminum tend to be lower in comparison to other materials.
This lightness has another effect – it can be easily drawn out by the air if left unprotected. So when welding aluminum, it’s important to keep it covered with a mask and gloves.
It is also easier to burn, so you have to be extra careful when handling the material before, during and after the welding is done.
You’re probably wondering how do you know what settings you should use for your job? First off, always check with your instructor or mentor or ask for their recommendations. Take note of what kind of aluminum you are working with (there are several types) because each one needs a different welder setting.
The most commonly used aluminum is called “hot-worked” aluminum. This is when the material has been previously heat-treated to improve its strength and hardness. Basically, this means it is harder than raw aluminum, so you need to use a higher-heat metal than usual for your welding application.
On the other hand, “cold worked” aluminum requires a lower heat because it has already been tempered and hardened in preparation for hardening again. This type of aluminum does not need as high of a heat setting for welding, but you will have to work at a lower temperature as well to keep the welds stable.
To help you make an informed decision, here are three of the best welders for aluminum welding:
What is the best welder for aluminum welding?
1. Lincoln Electric POWER MIG 210 MP
This Lincoln Electric power supply is the ideal MIG machine for the welding novice, with plenty of room to grow as you gain more experience. Easy to use and easy on the wallet, this unit is lightweight and portable just 40 lbs. Dual Voltage Inputs (120V or 230V) means you can plug into any common power supply.
The controls are simple, with a push-and-turn digital display with intuitive labels that guide you through the setup process. Advanced options and settings are simple to access. So too is the spool gun, a Magnum PRO 100SG with patented features to help ensure consistent wire feed, proper spool tension, and better quality welds.
For more information please check on Amazon.
Learn more on 8 Best Arc Welders For Beginners – Top Picks & Reviews.
2. LOTOS MIG175 Mig Welder
The LOTOS MIG175 is one of the most versatile welders. It is able to weld aluminum with the spool gun. Its transformer technology has been proven to be reliable and durable. LOTOS MIG175 Mig Welder can easily connected to your existing 220V wall outlet and can be setup quickly within 10 minutes. It handles industrial standard 4″ or 8″ wire spools and incorporates re-settable overload protection to assure long operating life.
LOTOS MIG175 is one of the best welder for aluminum welding with very reasonable price, long time welding time, high quality aluminum wire, low current consumption are the best features of this welder.
Check complete details on Amazon.
Check these 10 Best Dual Voltage MIG Welders
3. YESWELDER MIG-250 PRO
The YESWELDER MIG-250 PRO is a multi-process welder that can perform MIG (can weld aluminum) ARC and LIFT TIG. The unit is designed for hardware, decoration, car modification, equipment and factory maintenance. It uses IGBT inverter technology for power and an intuitive “One button selection” design to make it easy to choose different welding modes to suit specific needs.
YESWELDER MIG250 PRO can perform MIG, Stick, and Lift TIG welding processes. It has a gasless flux mode and a synergic control MIG mode, which is designed for working with a variety of materials including stainless steel. Three modes are easily chosen with just one touch of a button: MIG/Stick/Lift TIG. Dual voltage allows you to use the same machine in 120V or 220V countries without needing to buy an additional machine.
Read next: 8 Best Cheap Flux Core Welders.
Final words
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration when it comes to choosing the best welder for aluminum. You should first ask your instructor or mentor what kind of material you will be using, then decide on the size and voltage input of the machine based on your future needs. Once you have an idea where you want to start your welding journey, it will be all downhill from there!
I hope this guide has helped you find the best welder for aluminum welding! I’d love to hear about your experience with it – please drop me a line in the comments below.
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Walton M. Edwards was born in 1994 in a coal mining town, he has worked as a welder, a hardware salesman, and as a pipe fitter and has been employed as a laborer for about fifty years. Walton is a native of Wabash County in Indiana, but he now resides in Bloomington, Indiana.
I’m not even a welder. I was making great aluminum welds with this unit within an hour and I’ve never used a spool gun in my life. The onboard computer makes it easy to get the settings in spec, then you can dial them in to fine-tune. I can’t speak to the TIG, as this unit doesn’t have it, only the spool gun. Great unit!
What features should I look for when choosing a TIG welder for aluminum welding?
Thank you for the Nice comment.
When choosing a TIG welder for aluminum welding, there are several features to consider. These include:
Amperage range: Look for a TIG welder that has an amperage range suitable for welding aluminum. Typically, a TIG welder with a range of 5 to 200 amps will work well for most aluminum welding applications.
AC/DC power: To weld aluminum, you will need a TIG welder that can provide both AC and DC power. DC power is used for welding steel, while AC power is needed to weld aluminum.
High-frequency start: A high-frequency start feature is important for TIG welding, as it helps to create a stable and consistent arc. This is especially important when welding aluminum, which can be more difficult to weld than other metals.
Pulse control: Pulse control allows the welder to adjust the amount of heat and the rate of electrode filler metal deposition. This feature can be helpful when welding thin aluminum, as it allows for greater control over the welding process.