MIG Welding Aluminum Spool Gun Setup

[@BrandonLund]

$25 Aluminum MIG Conversion kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHjLhKJuZ7KDb7c MORE WELDING AND FABRICATION VIDEOS HERE:kzbin.info/aero/PLfbf78fMz9Vol0uX2-GNc6mLi75zpqb5f LEARN HOW TO WELD VIDEOS HERE:kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3XEYnxpZp56gJI MIG WELDER yeswelder.com/products/mig-welder-mig205?ref=BRANDONLUND

[@christianbos1691]

Hey Brandon, Christian here, if I give you another tip may give ; I think it's better if you keep the torch a little flatter so that your weld is better in the corner and you're less likely to burn through the bottom. It may of course be that you know that yourself, but for someone like me, who has always welded and still does, it looks strange and you said it yourself, with aluminum always brush 1 way. Furthermore, another very good video and I'm curious about your reaction but it's well intended for the novice followers. Take care of yourself and keep making healthy and good videos, warm greetings.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man. To be honest I was actually expecting it to blow the edge off the 1/16" vertical plate so I was favoring the bottom plate trying to prevent that. To my surprise it never did. I never do any practice before the shot. The 1st shot is the first weld. Trying to keep it real. It felt like the spool gun ran cooler. I know the settings were the same as was the wire so I can only contribute that to a smoother feed. I'm still blown away that a little 120v machine can weld aluminum let alone 1/16". I I'm confident it can weld thicker which is why i wanted to experiment on the thinner stuff. I appreciate your considerate comment / critique. It's the "your not a real welder unless you buy a tig machine" that grinds my gears lol...totally missing the point of what I'm trying to show here.

[@bruced1429]

I started aluminum welding with a spool gun and when dialed in it worked very well. It is awkward to use in tight places and does not do well with crater fill at the end of the welds. So I changed to mig aluminum and it is much better. Some like to tig aluminum , there is a steep learning curve and it is slow. If you have time on your hands and like to see dime stack welds then tig ,but when you want the job done in a timely fashion and not artwork then mig it. With time your mig aluminum welds will look great, especially if you have a pulse mig welder, and you can then do overhead , try that with tig aluminum.

[@BrandonLund]

Spot on @Bruce D 👌

[@robertsanchez3785]

Love the videos man, always do. For the longest time I never knew you could mig aluminum, but it was one of your videos that showed me different, keep it up man. I’ve designed a lot more projects lately just because you’ve inspired me, if I win the welder they will come to life and if not it will just take more time but I won’t give up on my dreams haha

[@BrandonLund]

I love this attitude Robert. Stay positive brother. Your in 👍

[@christianbos1691]

Hey Brandon, I just read your answer and I must confess that I misjudged the video and your intent of it, and I apologize for it. I know you can weld well, you have already proven that, despite my misinterpretation of your intention, I enjoy every video you make. I wish you a very nice weekend and greetings, Christian.

[@BrandonLund]

No worries. Have a great weekend

[@houndofgoshen5363]

Great video brother!! Glad to see you show how to use the spool gun. I’ve been curious about them for awhile. Have a great weekend.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man. It works pretty awesome!

[@Tubeagrutis]

Wicked awesome, Brandon!!! Totally dig that you are showing these alternative options to AC TIG. Great content, keep it coming!

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man! I'm a firm believer that sometimes using what you have is a great alternative to buying new. Especially in today's economy. Every dollar counts 👍

[@BrettMissen]

Thank you greatly for your heart to share your skills and abilities and time put it to do so. Your humility blesses me. Thank you again from a small town in Australia. Bless you.

[@BrandonLund]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bazkeen]

It's an awesome process if you have a lot of long runs to do. I love to TIG aluminium, but there are times when it's just not practical, time wise. Good one Brandon 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BrandonLund]

Great point and well said!

[@seanb250]

Well I’m glad I stumbled across your channel, I have an old mig and I can’t afford to set up a tig for aluminium, now I can try it with either the replacement tube method or even with the spool gun, Thankyou for explaining it very clearly, cheers from Australia 👍

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Sean and welcome aboard! 👊

[@davidbegor8709]

Just watched video of converting mig to run aluminum pushing through whip. 1st time seeing your production. LOVE IT! Well done! Looking forward to trying it out & watching more of your content. Retired and still a vacuum for MORE knowledge. God Bless & keep at it.😁

[@BrandonLund]

Awesome! Thank you David. Check out my "ultimate build series" playlist. I think you might like it. There is hours of ideas and content :) God bless you and your family.

[@Sunrayman123]

I was told to spray the welds with aluminum paint after I wire brush them. Really helps on appearance, when it's necessary.

[@BrandonLund]

I haven't heard that

[@johncoulter9287]

Thanks Brandon for that demonstration. Great knowledge.

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man👍

[@the_understudy]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Options are always good to know. Nice weld (wouldn't expect less). Even if you are fortunate to have separate welders for each weld type (or have a multi machine like the ones you are generously gifting), if or when there is that inevitable unexpected failure, you can always use this option you are sharing. Knowledge is FUNdamental... I dig the funky green flash from aluminium welding in the video... Great color.

[@BrandonLund]

Thank you so much man I appreciate your support. I love that greene too. That's unique to that 5356 wire. So if you see that color that are using that alloy of aluminum. 4043 is white

[@DangerousDaveKincaid]

Great Video Brandon, just getting back into welding after many years at 75. Trying out the Tooliom 250 so far I like also purchased the spool gun. Now just need to learn more of the settings like how much Argon pressure is needed for 1/8" material. Thanks, Dave...

[@BrandonLund]

It's just like riding a bike. Glad your getting back into it. I set the Argon for around 30 cfh

[@klwj33]

Good video Brandon. I have the HF 150A spool gun mated to my Titanium 170 and if I was a better welder I would get perfect results!😄 Thanks for tips and instructions!

[@BrandonLund]

Thats awesome man. MIG aluminum takes some adjusting here and there to get looking nice but once you find the sweet spot, write it down 👍

[@rudyrivera7426]

Great illustration and explanation! As always! Brandon! Thanks! 👌👍

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Rudy I appreciate it 🙏

[@donaldhalls2189]

Great video thanks again, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@BrandonLund]

Thank you Donald I appreciate it! 🙏 same to you and yours

[@No_contest]

Great video, super helpful! Question: we have some architectural 1/16”x1”x1” T aluminum that will be mounted to a Ceiling. It has several 4 way intersections that need to be welded. The top of the T at the Cielings will be hidden, only part exposed will be the bottoms 1/3 of the 1” leg of the T. Hitting all 4 points of the intersection, just they vertical inside corner, will that warp the metal? I was able to do the mock up brazing but want to grab a spool gun see if it will work. No structural aspect just purely for looks and will be screwed to the lid so welding would need to be done in place. About 1/2” weld maybe a hair more

[@BrandonLund]

From what you are describing, it sounds like any warping would be minimal.

[@bub99554]

I know it takes 100% pure argon I was messing with 5% helium mixed with excellent results in thicker material cause the helium is like adding voltage and cleans the oxidation remind you it needs fine arc tune

[@BrandonLund]

Spot on! 👌

[@johnlenoir1023]

I love it please continue to keep it up and show us how to do things

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks John I appreciate it! 🙏

[@MrRobinski]

So can you use pulse on this to help with thinner materials?

[@BrandonLund]

Yes

[@michaelstirling7026]

Always great content. Keep it coming.

[@BrandonLund]

Thank you Michael 😊

[@sosbones1er406]

Thank you this helped me a lot today

[@BrandonLund]

Glad it helped

[@ironpug42]

really good welding

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks 👍

[@greggbuck958]

What is the make and model of the first spool gun? I have an old Lincoln Sp 100 which requires a gun with two leads. Thanks!

[@BrandonLund]

The one I have in the video is made by YesWelder and fits Hobart / Miller. I think you would want this one amzn.to/450vk6m

[@greggbuck958]

Unfortunately my welder is so old that the electrical supply is two legs instead of a plug like I’m seeing on every spool gun on Amazon.

[@seider707]

I’ve been trying to figure out how to make a spool gun connect to my miller Xtreme 12vs suitcase. I use a ranger 10000 engine drive to power the suitcase. Was just curious as to if you have any idea if It would get enough power because from what I’ve seen I’d have to splice one wire onto another that is getting power because of how the pins are. Thanks

[@BrandonLund]

Usually it's as simple as taking the contact wires that extend out to the whip and making those adapt to your spool gun. It's basically a low voltage on off switch.

[@Brad26843]

For using one tip size larger, is that only for aluminum? I have very little experience with aluminum welding with a mig configuration. Also hoping to win Dec. welder give away.(entry allready in)

[@BrandonLund]

Thats correct Brad. This is only for aluminum. Aluminum expands as it gets hot. Going one size larger on the tip helps solve and possible feed issues

[@Brad26843]

@@BrandonLund ok, thank you for taking the time to answer.

[@BrandonLund]

Glad to help buddy. 👍

[@briansengstock59]

I have learned a lot from watching your videos..Your videos prevent me from learning the hard way .

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man!

[@richardli8634]

have you ever had to heat up aluminum? like for a repair outside on a car or something like that? I tried spoolgun welding aluminum recently and couldn't get penetration, couldn't start a bead, turning up voltage/amperage just made the wire melt up into the tip.

[@BrandonLund]

I have. Generally when you get burn back its caused by too much voltage or too little wire feed speed.

[@shellybradley4286]

You had the right polarity? Mine does that when i forget to switch the +/-

[@richardli8634]

@@shellybradley4286 refresh my memory please, is it supposed to be negative ground or positive ground?

[@SK-su5xx]

good job man

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks buddy! 😁

[@thirdgearboogie2210]

Is it possible to mig 3" .078 aluminum intercooler piping. I haven't really found any videos of this being done. The machine I have available is The Omnipro 220.

[@BrandonLund]

It would be really challenging for sure. Im sure it could be done but i doubt i could. .125 is pretty challenging.

[@jimmacsuga2592]

Not going to aluminum weld. I might try aluminum stick weld if it ever comes up. I would have to buy a welder like the ones you have so I will continue to use my comverted to DCEN Harbor Freight Flux Core and be happy!!! You certainly do have lots of information in this and that is a blessing to all of us. Question though....off subject: Why do they sell Flux Core welders that are AC only? I have almost no spatter since I converted the welder to DC, as is recommended for flux core welding. No wonder so many people hate the HF (and others). Be well, be safe, be Blessed!!!

[@BrandonLund]

Thats actually a great question Jim. My guess is by not converting it to DC they save money keeping it more affordable. I has an old ac buzz box welder for years. I still like Welding ac now and then. AC works good when magnetism is an issue. Because of the alternating current, ac is not effected like DC is.

[@jimmacsuga2592]

@@BrandonLund Thanks for the information, Brandon! I guess it comes down to money, doesn't it. They can sell an AC welder for x dollars and if it were dc, it would x plus a lot!!! Fun stuff!!!

[@matthewhall5571]

@@jimmacsuga2592 normally speaking cheap flux core welders would be carried around job sites and smashes and dropped and abused while they are used for welding structural steel components of a building by some ironworkers or contractors or steel erectors. They don't need to give a damn about splatter or any other aesthetic issues unless it's something like undercut that could weaken the weld or base metal or reduce the penetration. If it gets full penetration and a good enough if a bit ugly weld bead they don't care about anything else.

[@jimmacsuga2592]

@@matthewhall5571 Well, my thoughts did not go to professionals doing structural stuff. I was not aware that they would use a Harbor Freight welder to do such things. The AC welders will do the job but I personally think that DCEN makes a huge difference in the hobbiest's life.

[@BrandonLund]

Your assumptions are correct Jim. The machine can be cheap but it's not going to be AC. Production, pipe or structural work is done with DC.

[@antemarov9422]

Froniuse or Esab masins fur welding!!!!!! 15 kg drat 1.2 mm

[@BrandonLund]

Yah awesome. I own a Fronius 2200. What's your point

[@lodollar23]

Either way. I would still like to see you weld up a patch or two on an aluminum boat with a tig. God bless!

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks man. I have a boat hull that I planned to weld up and repair beofre winter but things got too busy on my end and on their end so we pushed it back until spring. I do have some aluminum boat docks to repair for a customer in an upcoming episode.

[@lodollar23]

@@BrandonLund I'm super excited to see! I have a cheap aluminum boat with a 4 inch tear in the very front. I don't have a clue where to start. Thx!

[@jakeschisler7525]

So Brandon are you ready to weld with Laser? I suppose it's quite expensive to get into that process.

[@BrandonLund]

I'm actually looking into a few different options.

[@MBwelding]

I have a spool gun I’ve never used lol. I do dc tig on my aluminum, it’s violent and you got to move really quick but it’s what I learned on so I’m fairly decent at it now. but I have a really chunky bracket I have to fix coming up soon,so I’m thinking it’s time to break out the gun and get it dialed in. I’ll be filling in 1 1/4” plate beveled, so it’s going to be a ton of passes and I think this is the answer to that problem. Thanks for the quick how to video. I’ve never even hooked up my gun, so it might be a stooges reunion for a bit. lol

[@BrandonLund]

Your going to love it!

[@thousandoaksauto1696]

Great info Brandon! I'm on the fence about buying a tig welder. Looks like a lot of heat from that gun? Is the spool gun just for aluminum? What about welding stainless with a spool gun?

[@BrandonLund]

If you want to do a lot of aluminum I would go with tig. This setup works good for occasional use however a spool gun eliminates all the feeding issues but they can be bulky in tight places. There is no advantage to using stainless in a spool gun. You can push it easily through your liner

[@mindthependulum6245]

I got the same model of yeswelder you have with the optional spool gun that I have not purchased yet. I set the regular gun up with the graphine liner and I have zero issues with birdsnesting. I find the controls to be a bit indecipherable most of the time. I just installed a 65r recepticle for it in the new home. I’m working with 1/8 aluminum rectangular tubing of various sizes trying to make frames for stuff but the settings are kicking me in the pants a bit. If I am going to use this for aluminum all the time, should I get a spool gun? I am wondering if it’s the process or the settings. Any advice is appreciated!

[@BrandonLund]

What are you using for wire?

[@mindthependulum6245]

@@BrandonLund Harris 5356 .30

[@BrandonLund]

So it's not your wire. It could be your base metal is not compatible or that your wire is not feeding smoothly from the machine to the work piece. If you haven't already double check your hub and drive roll tension, make sure you are using the u groove rollers and a contact tip one size larger than your wire and that you are keeping your whip as straight as possible. Even with this setup perfectly a spool gun will generally weld a bit smoother but they have their limitations as well (only take small spools so it's costly compared to buying in bulk and it can get heavy on your arm and doesn't fit into tight spots). Please check back in and we will see if we can get this issue fixed

[@mindthependulum6245]

@@BrandonLund Thanks Brandon. The rectangular tubing is 6061 and sized 1x1.5 and 2x6 and it’s all 1/8 thick. I have not had a single birds nest yet and it does all flow through the gun just fine it seems. My biggest problem is the settings on the machine. I did auto body work for 25 years and have done mostly structural welding for frame rails but aluminum is new to me. What confounds me is the settings on the machine. I know it’s set to aluminum but that’s about it. I’m getting a lot of bb’s and splatter. The synergic mode for aluminum is on too. I use fresh stainless steel brushes to clean the material and then I wipe it with a clean rag with acetone on it. I know the argon tank is on and flowing but the weld looks like it isn’t getting shielding gas. Can you give a baseline voltage, amp and wire speed for what I’m working with please? I get the impression my settings are just way off.

[@BrandonLund]

You want 1 amp for every .001" so .125 = 125 amps +/-. As far as volts start around 17. Use a push travel, not pull. Keep your torch at about 15 degrees. Try not to increase this too much. Try setting your gas to 12-15 cfh. Make sure your set at dcep. It sounds like your machines voltage is running right around the short circuit voltage and spray transfer which can be one of the causes of what your describing. Try your machine with these settings in manual mode and report back.

[@jdbaker2911]

Do you have kit no# for millermatic 211

[@BrandonLund]

I don't. It's probably the same kit as I used here and I have the links in the description

[@BrandonLund]

Hey @jd baker I think this is the liner you want for the 211 amzn.to/3DzEyL6

[@jackwebb5917]

Did he say that on aluminum you get shitty or soothy welds??

[@BrandonLund]

No he didnt

[@jackwebb5917]

So what was it? Soothy?

[@scottchastain1382]

I'm still here. Rough week .

[@BrandonLund]

Sorry to hear that bud 👍 I hope you're doing better 🙏

[@คนต่างเมือง]

Good👍👍

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks!

[@ke5roz]

cool video

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Rodney! 👍

[@2point..0]

Alrighty then!~~~

[@BrandonLund]

😁

[@devileyezz7700]

dont forget to mention you must use 100% argon for this process

[@BrandonLund]

👍

[@JimmyLee0757]

COOL!!

[@BrandonLund]

Thanks Jimmy!

[@torowazup1]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼🍎😎

[@BrandonLund]

Thank you Max! 👍

[@antemarov9422]

I can do better welding... X and V vertikal mach head pozicion

[@BrandonLund]

@Ante Marov If you watched the video you would know that the 1st weld was the 1st weld. No practice, no testing, no messing with settings to see what works. Literally the 1st weld you see is the 1st weld EVER using this machine to do this process. You can criticize all you want but it takes a real genuine person to keep it real on youtube. Sure I could have messed with it for hours beforehand then showed you how great I am with my pretty stack of dime beads with my perfect settings as I talk about how awesome this process is but then joe average tries this and guess what....he knows that I'm blowing smoke because thats not how it works. It takes hood time messing with a new machine to get perfect stacks of dimes. If you want to see pretty welds without any machine setup or adjustments there are plenty of channels on here to watch but for now I will stay true to the craft and expose the realistic not so perfect side that comes with setting up a brand new machine with a brand new process. You would know this if you actually welded

[@militaryvehiclemarkings4696]

Let’s Go Brandon 😂

[@BrandonLund]

🤣🤣🤣👍😎

[@militaryvehiclemarkings4696]

G,day from Down Under. I was hoping you would like my comment. I just subscribed to the channel. Like your content.

[@BrandonLund]

Thank you for the sub and support! It's very much appreciated! 👍🙏

[@paultrimble9390]

Y sure. Always another way to do it. They don't want u to know. Go buy the upgraded one now u learned little. That's how they like it repeat customer. Lol

[@BrandonLund]

Exactly! 👌😎👊😁

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I am new at making bubble gum wether it be stick or tig, flux core I am ok. I am looking forward to seeing you weld with thicker aluminum. I have a HF Omni Pro 220 and it works very well for me. I bought on sale for $749.99 2 maybe years ago. And the HF spool gun will work with it as I understand. 😁🛫

[@BrandonLund]

I appreciate your ongoing support. I will be doing some thicker stuff real soon 😁