Just bought the Hobart Handler 187, been usin the flux and welding some light steel getting used to it. Want to start welding some aluminum and am looking for some ideas- i need a bottle o Argon and the only place ive found is TSC and a small bottle is 143 bucks..... anybody know where i can get a bottle for cheaper? Rather not rent a bottle any opions would be great

 

you need to spend quite some money if you want to weld aluminum. not just the shielding gas. aluminum is a lot softer then steel wire, it's almost impossible to push it all the way through a regular mig gun. you will need a spool gun, where the wire reel is located right by the gun, not the welder. that, will cost you around $400 for the cheapest 100amp gun.

http://www.brweldingsupplies.com/pro...roduct_id=1381

 

Your set up for mild steel insted of aluminum. TC4RNR said it best...you need a spool gun with aluminum wire to weld aluminum with that machine.

 

It is a real shame that some companies sell a liner they say can weld aluminum it is all bull poop the only way is as stated with a spool gun or a higher end unit like the Miller 252 or 350. which can take the Aluma Pro Gun .

At best running at full output which reduces the duty cycle to almost nothing you would get very disgusted in a very short time.

Welding nice new Aluminum is not bad try welding something that is a few years old and exposed to the weather .

 

Check google for a national welders supply in your area. Go in and talk to them for a little while see what they will do for you on a 160cu/ft bottle of 75/25. Gonna run you about $200.00. 75/25 will not do alum, but will get you covered for mild steel. Then you can save and practice for the alum regulator, spool gun, and cover gas you will need.

 

Thank you all did not know the spool gun costs soo much- thats a damn shame