How to MIG Weld Aluminum: Spool Gun Aluminum Welding for Beginners

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  • Опубліковано 8 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 330

  • @kevwallace6628
    @kevwallace6628 3 роки тому +217

    Dude, just did a simple 2F weld test, and I was watching your video before I went in, you going ‘back and forth’ motion allowed me to ace my test. Smoked it! Never welded aluminum before either

    • @heffegaming
      @heffegaming 3 роки тому +28

      Lmao I’m doing the same shit rn I’m outside the place 😭😭

    • @kevwallace6628
      @kevwallace6628 3 роки тому +2

      @@heffegaming haha, goodluck! Do what he did

    • @kyleclarke1896
      @kyleclarke1896 3 роки тому +1

      Quick question what is a 2f test ?

    • @kevwallace6628
      @kevwallace6628 3 роки тому +8

      @@kyleclarke1896 2F is fillet weld, 2G is groove (meaning root pass)

    • @kyleclarke1896
      @kyleclarke1896 3 роки тому +1

      @@kevwallace6628 ohhh Okok thank you 🙏🏾

  • @TJackSurvival
    @TJackSurvival Місяць тому +2

    Hey man, thank you for making these. I realize making videos is a lot of work. We appreciate your time.

  • @WadeRatcliff
    @WadeRatcliff 17 днів тому

    Thanks so much for making this. I’ve been welding steel for over 30 years; however, I’ve never welded aluminum. Just got a Miller Spoolmatic Pro 15A to run with my Miller Multimatic 235 and I’m excited about using it soon to repair the front of my aluminum boat. Thanks for making this video-it is a big help!

  • @warrenrodgers6876
    @warrenrodgers6876 3 роки тому +52

    Thanks for your help with mig welding aluminum.I’m a lifelong welder of 59 and I still try to learn something about welding everyday👍God bless🇺🇸

  • @NorwoodingSkullMask
    @NorwoodingSkullMask 27 днів тому

    Most videos on Aluminum welding just go over running the bead, but you go into such detail and give us a lot of other useful info that goes into the process. Favorite welding tips channel. Thank you.

  • @cowabungask8r
    @cowabungask8r 3 роки тому +10

    As long as Tim’s making these videos nobody else needs to make welding videos. There’s no point, He’s got this on lock. Great filming, explanation, and welds.

    • @grahamkameron3248
      @grahamkameron3248 3 роки тому

      I guess Im asking randomly but does someone know a tool to get back into an instagram account..?
      I was dumb lost my login password. I would love any tricks you can give me.

    • @leandrojason1387
      @leandrojason1387 3 роки тому

      @Graham Kameron Instablaster =)

    • @grahamkameron3248
      @grahamkameron3248 3 роки тому

      @Leandro Jason i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out atm.
      Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

    • @grahamkameron3248
      @grahamkameron3248 3 роки тому

      @Leandro Jason it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D
      Thank you so much, you saved my ass :D

    • @leandrojason1387
      @leandrojason1387 3 роки тому

      @Graham Kameron No problem :)

  • @algordon5843
    @algordon5843 3 роки тому +28

    The most comprehensive concise and practical videos on UA-cam for a beginner.
    That's my considered opinion after watching a couple of hundred hours of videos over the past 6 months.
    THANKS MATE
    Your blood is worth bottling!

  • @marcoshernando6120
    @marcoshernando6120 3 роки тому +20

    At last!! Someone that actually explain with examples the adjustment!! Great Job. Thank You 😃

  • @davepiotrowski1992
    @davepiotrowski1992 3 роки тому +9

    Interesting video. I was told from a mate that you can't weld aluminium with a MIG welder, you need TIG. So, really, with a different alloy gun and wire for you can. Great stuff. 👍

    • @codysmith3404
      @codysmith3404 3 роки тому +1

      Ya your mate doesn't know what the fuck hes talking about

  • @johnnyg5790
    @johnnyg5790 3 роки тому +2

    Starting a new job mig welding aluminum. This video gave me a lot of confidence!

  • @matthewmyers7440
    @matthewmyers7440 2 роки тому

    I haven't welded aluminum in years and randomly got moved into a fab spot where I work and this was a nice little refresher to watch on lunch. Appreciate it!

  • @andrewjschutz
    @andrewjschutz 2 роки тому +1

    First time watching this guys videos and I already got to express I love his attitude! I’m gonna be checking out more of this dude for sure.

  • @MiklaDfar
    @MiklaDfar 3 роки тому +6

    VERY nice... simple, articulate and to the point... one of the better videos I've seen on MIG welding AL.

  • @chrismitchell45
    @chrismitchell45 3 роки тому +5

    I just picked up a “new old stock” Klutch 200iDV Multi process welder with Mig(flux and gas)DC Tig, Stick and SPOOL GUN for $300 from Northern Tool!!! Wouldn’t you know it, that eavesdropping, internet AI puts this video in my feed today 😂 Great video as usual, can’t wait to try the spool gun!

    • @kevinragsdale6256
      @kevinragsdale6256 3 роки тому

      I got a titanium 200 for $200 new in box, and was so excited because it could do tig. Then I realized it won't tig weld aluminum.

  • @wilsondelosreyes5335
    @wilsondelosreyes5335 3 роки тому +14

    TimWelds, you're so good a teacher and in doing easy-to-learn presentation. Thank you so much! Please just continue doing your passion for us followers.

  • @MattheuD
    @MattheuD 3 роки тому +2

    This helped me remember how to weld after 10 years not welding alum. Passed weld test. Thank you!

  • @GuestInvitado-gd3bi
    @GuestInvitado-gd3bi Рік тому +1

    Nice spool gun you got there Tim. I've never used one, but I am looking forward to try. Since, I already have the welder (HOBART 210), I want to go for it. Thank you for sharing. Oh, you got some nice welds there. Take care my friend.👍👍

  • @mkeyser
    @mkeyser 3 роки тому +2

    Really great info Tim. To start your weld try using a sacrificial piece to arc to then lead into your project, I learned that tip from a welder on youtube.

  • @dddddmorgan
    @dddddmorgan 4 роки тому +7

    Looking forward to seeing that H.F. gun get put to use, that's my all purpose machine. Just got my aluminum spool gun and I appreciate the info.

    • @kevinragsdale6256
      @kevinragsdale6256 3 роки тому

      You can run aluminum on that with no spool gun, I do it like that.

  • @mistermac4118
    @mistermac4118 Рік тому

    Thank you for some basic advice on the various settings, it was very helpful.

  • @MrPatdeeee
    @MrPatdeeee 3 роки тому +2

    VERY good kind Sir. You "cut to the chase". And that is rare and I learned a lot without waiting forever. Thank you.

    • @mikesapp3241
      @mikesapp3241 2 роки тому

      Yes instead of 60 seconds of bullshit looking at the camera. Just do the damn thing and quit talking about subscribing.

  • @toddeich333
    @toddeich333 Рік тому

    Really like the way you went into detail. Thank you.

  • @ayebee1207
    @ayebee1207 2 роки тому

    Your video is great. I like the two fire extingushers behind you. Smaller "oh crap" one. And larger "double oh crap!"
    Cheers!

  • @OrdnanceTV
    @OrdnanceTV 3 роки тому

    At 4:14 when you got the voltage dialed in perfect I audibly said "OHOHOOYEEAAHH". I must've eaten my wheaties this morning. Great video, big fan, keep it up.

  • @ckvasnic1
    @ckvasnic1 3 роки тому +1

    Tim, Very nice video. Thank you for shareing your time and knowledge. All the best, Chuck

    • @TimWelds
      @TimWelds  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks so much!

    • @ckvasnic1
      @ckvasnic1 3 роки тому

      @@TimWelds Follow-up question. Does the polarity of the gun and ground need to be reversed when useing spool gun on aluminum?

  • @charlesh1735
    @charlesh1735 Рік тому +4

    I used to weld aluminum McDonald’s arches together that would be mounted on a swing arm that set a top a 3/8” thick 4” pole that was at every McDonald’s in the world. I pumped out 65 to 80 pieces a day using a cobramig 300 push-pull with argon gas. I could change my amperage and WFS right from the gun! While I was using the most cost effective way to pump out more pieces,I remember the older guys using the electrode tungsten guns with filler rods to weld their signs. I remember one old school welder in his early 60’s told me one day,young man you better learn to weld the tungsten way with a filler rod. Because one day you will have no other option. Well guess what? He was right,I have a welding test Monday for a new job and it’s been since welding school about 15 years ago since I used a tungsten electrode with a foot pedal and filler rod. But hopefully by watching your videos it will brush up my Tig welding skills.

  • @TempleThomas
    @TempleThomas 4 роки тому +4

    Just got my spool gun - thanks for the help.

  • @PrimalOutdoors
    @PrimalOutdoors 2 роки тому

    Thanks this was very clear and useful
    Jason

  • @craigrobertson5030
    @craigrobertson5030 Рік тому

    Been thrust into AL, helped answer some questions

  • @scottcarr3264
    @scottcarr3264 3 роки тому +6

    We have new "Lorch" brand (german) Mig machines at work, and they will do Pulse and Double Pulse Alluminium, Straight out of the gun, NO Spool gun, I haven't really tried much with that other than a test run on coupons when the salesman showed us what these machines can do, but what I did see was pretty Impressive.

    • @thedillestpickle
      @thedillestpickle 2 роки тому

      What is double pulse? Is that the waveform control as well as pulse to the wire feed?

  • @jeepcj3b436
    @jeepcj3b436 3 роки тому

    I've watched several of your videos. Very good series - I'm learning a lot - thank you.

  • @NspaceN
    @NspaceN Рік тому

    Great video with excellent tips. Makes welding aluminum look not so scary. Thank you for your time!

  • @e90julien
    @e90julien 3 роки тому

    wow. you have such high quality content. can't believe I've never found this channel before

  • @adamfreeman6679
    @adamfreeman6679 3 роки тому

    I just ordered the Hobart 240 ironman hopefully this video helps me learn to weld Aluminum.

  • @lordvoldemort9651
    @lordvoldemort9651 2 роки тому

    As a newbie to welding, i cant escape the subtle yet obvious humor in how everybody is always talking about how far their stick is out 🤭😏

  • @somanynamesilltrythis0180
    @somanynamesilltrythis0180 3 роки тому

    Thanks for posting this video, it's really helpful. I'm gonna try to do some aluminum welding tomorrow for the first time, so I appreciate all the advice.

  • @johnjennings8085
    @johnjennings8085 2 роки тому +1

    Haha has miller welder uses harbor freight gun. Looks like it works pretty good though. We have a gun like this in the shop, another brand and it bird nests if you look at it side eye instantly. This video explains why thanks.

  • @ar5000
    @ar5000 2 роки тому +3

    great video, very helpful. BTW, petroleum products like Vaseline can cause the o-rings to fail. Try using something silicone-based like Molykote 111.

  • @karlgreene8489
    @karlgreene8489 4 роки тому +3

    Nice job I can understand everything you are laying down thank you!

  • @jdduddy614
    @jdduddy614 4 роки тому +2

    This is a great video. Just simple welding.

  • @nahbro5520
    @nahbro5520 3 роки тому

    Hey Tom great video! Finally found someone with the identical welder! That helps!!

  • @dragon6594
    @dragon6594 2 роки тому

    Are you finally a guided get right into it stays in it is great information great video love it thank you so much

  • @ks7002
    @ks7002 3 роки тому +4

    Could you describe how you tack weld aluminum using the spool gun? Also would be interesting to see you weld thin gage aluminum. Thanks

  • @slothsvr8151
    @slothsvr8151 3 роки тому +1

    Great info keep up the good work brother

  • @onecarwood
    @onecarwood 2 роки тому

    Great video. Everything I needed to know.

  • @matthewlouis167
    @matthewlouis167 2 роки тому

    In short circuit transfer the wire doesn't touch the work. A bead of filler metal forms, roughly the size of the diameter of the wire and it transfers to the weld at a rate of around 100 times a second. Slow mo videos of this are really cool.

  • @2012jcarpenter
    @2012jcarpenter 3 роки тому +2

    Great videos. Thank you!

  • @daveosland3199
    @daveosland3199 2 роки тому

    With the right set up and wire, I can weld 1/4" 6061 in one pass with my XR30 gun....
    Good video!

  • @ausfrog381
    @ausfrog381 4 роки тому +1

    Absolutely great video explaining everything

  • @gabeofalltrades0770
    @gabeofalltrades0770 Рік тому

    Found this super helpful! Thanks!

  • @GOONRID3RFRANKLIN
    @GOONRID3RFRANKLIN 3 роки тому

    Great steady and effective technique thank you

  • @robhess6
    @robhess6 4 роки тому

    Up front I would like to apologize for the long ramble... but there is a question at the end of it. Thank you so much for all the great content you put out... it's very much appreciated by a hobby welder like myself! I have the Titanium 200 welder and just recently purchased and started using the HF Titanium Spool Gun. I started out getting pretty decent looking welds and that was all you, because I just duplicated your settings for wire speed and voltage, so thank you for that. At the end of your video you dialed in your settings at 350 and 19.5. I am finding (I think) that I'm doing better with 325 and 19.5. However I feel like I am getting a high profile on my welds and I don't know how to fix that. I have tried messing with the settings and just can't figure it out ( have my gas set at 25 and my inductance at 8). I was hoping you could give me a suggestion. Thank you sir!

    • @donsmith9081
      @donsmith9081 4 роки тому

      Try increasing heat, decreasing wire or increasing travel speed.

    • @TimWelds
      @TimWelds  4 роки тому

      I agree

    • @robhess6
      @robhess6 4 роки тому

      @@TimWelds Thanks guys, I will try those suggestions!

  • @Squatch_830
    @Squatch_830 3 роки тому

    Nice video. Very informative. Simple and quick liked it alot

  • @zenjon7892
    @zenjon7892 Рік тому

    Gotta say, I prefer TIG for aluminum, because it's what I do at work. I'm getting a home setup for general welding going at home though, and I want to learn this

  • @thomasheer825
    @thomasheer825 3 роки тому

    Tim I converted my Mig to the Euro Plug setup. makes it easy to switch back and forth with wand and spool gun.

  • @WillPemble
    @WillPemble 2 роки тому

    Thanks, Tim! What a fantastic tutorial :)

  • @alexandergarcia240
    @alexandergarcia240 4 роки тому +1

    I am finally getting around to using the spool gun I bought for my everlast welder. I can't wait to weld some aluminum.

  • @kermitthefrog6363
    @kermitthefrog6363 2 роки тому

    Thanks again Tim...it is appreciated!

  • @Aaron-hj4cg
    @Aaron-hj4cg 2 роки тому

    Tim, truly appreciate the videos you make. I’ve looked everywhere and am having difficulty in getting the “stack o’ dimes”. I’ve tried to match your pace and doing the pause but instead of a distinct dime the weld pools together and it looks smeared. Im getting a nice spray with strong outside corner welds that I can beat with a sledgehammer without shearing. I really am after the look I guess. Thanks again.

  • @benjaminstubbs7845
    @benjaminstubbs7845 3 роки тому

    First video I found. Very well done. Subscribed. ✌🏽

  • @larrydesantiago5206
    @larrydesantiago5206 3 роки тому +5

    Appreciate you and this video man! Got my sub

  • @burgersmash33
    @burgersmash33 4 місяці тому

    Please make a vid going over the differences in settings and techniques when welding 4043 and 5356 with a spool gun

  • @stevo3644
    @stevo3644 3 роки тому

    Awesome video and can’t wait to try it out.

  • @rickardo5027
    @rickardo5027 3 роки тому +1

    Tim, I have watched this video several times and think it's great. This is my "GO TO" channel for anything welding. At the seven minute mark you appear to be dragging the puddle rather than pushing it. Is it just the optics of the video? I am attempting to weld 1/8" material and would like to know how to finish the weld without a crater at the end with something this thin. Thanks

  • @enriquerodriguez1804
    @enriquerodriguez1804 2 роки тому

    Good instructions 👍
    Thanks guy.

  • @tswrench
    @tswrench 3 роки тому

    Excellent instruction!

  • @nigelbeaumont1109
    @nigelbeaumont1109 Рік тому

    Great informative Video Sir.

  • @can5projects563
    @can5projects563 4 роки тому +7

    nice info. what machine would you recommend for welding Aluminium. DIY

    • @danl.4743
      @danl.4743 3 роки тому +1

      Primeweld TIG225

  • @andyb7754
    @andyb7754 4 роки тому +1

    Very good information. I've had a spool gun for 6 years and haven't even tried it , yet! It would be nice to see the voltage and wires speed information instead of the Miller use number whatever. My welders don't have a chart just the speeds and voltage. Support says to use synergic settings to learn!

    • @TimWelds
      @TimWelds  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks! I don’t get mine out too often, but it’s really nice when there’s a lot of weld to run in a hurry. There is a settings calculator on Miller’s website www.millerwelds.com/resources/weld-setting-calculators that can get you in the ballpark. Aluminum MIG is especially sensitive to settings, so I always have to dial mine in. It’s not too bad if you start with the voltage low and sneak up on it until it’s running good.

  • @summerdude600
    @summerdude600 3 роки тому +6

    Great Video and a lot of helpful tips to get going. One thing I'd like to ask is if you make any modifications to how you'd start off with setting when you use 5356 wire instead of 4043? do you decrease the voltage a little more to start? need more wire speed? just curious if the alloy makes any difference in how you go about your set up?

  • @stanleyjobson2556
    @stanleyjobson2556 3 роки тому

    Good my friend. Very nice video about of aluminum weld

  • @stevenmeeks1074
    @stevenmeeks1074 5 місяців тому

    Thanks for the informative video. One thing I noticed, you mentioned holding your angle of the torch head in the direction of travel (push technique) for aluminum mig welding. However, during the last part of your video, you showed what appeared to be a drag technique? Any reason for this? I would assume that you can use either technique depending on your welding proficiency? Keep up the great videos!

  • @TheStrlx
    @TheStrlx 2 роки тому +1

    Great video ,nice looking mig welds and good information on adjusting the machine I was curious to find out your thoughts on the harbour freight gun compared to the miller ?

  • @richschmeck5496
    @richschmeck5496 2 роки тому

    I've never welded mig aluminum I have a weld test Wednesday for it and I'm a little nervous but I've ran MIG mild steel stainless steel for about a year now. 😅

  • @lesdeanjns
    @lesdeanjns 3 роки тому

    Thank you, and you can use a coupon to start on and ramp on to your metal can help with start up heating metal

  • @davidroberts6594
    @davidroberts6594 4 роки тому +2

    Im have the same spool gun, secret for aluminum for me is metal preheat, welds so much easier.

    • @TimWelds
      @TimWelds  4 роки тому +1

      It definitely does, especially on thicker material. Thanks for the comment!

  • @TurboWorld
    @TurboWorld 2 роки тому

    Very decent! Thanks for the help!

  • @outdoorzone
    @outdoorzone 7 місяців тому

    I like method to get it dialed!! Thx

  • @johnbonnier7598
    @johnbonnier7598 Рік тому

    Another awesome video. I’m a new subscriber! If you haven’t already please make a video about fire safety while welding!

  • @seadubya649
    @seadubya649 Рік тому

    Thank you for the content. Enjoy watching! Use silicone instead of Vaseline.

  • @jadymulqueeney
    @jadymulqueeney 3 роки тому

    Thanks Tim, very good info

  • @56WagonWheel
    @56WagonWheel 4 роки тому +1

    Very helpful, thanks

  • @anarchistangler
    @anarchistangler 2 роки тому

    Yeah, good at teaching. Thanks. Where is your video about cutting it?

  • @sailingkulali
    @sailingkulali 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks Tim!

  • @jorgerosales609
    @jorgerosales609 4 роки тому +1

    Excellent mate! Gracias

  • @elijahakiki8951
    @elijahakiki8951 2 роки тому

    Best damn video on UA-cam.

  • @anthonytitian8386
    @anthonytitian8386 3 роки тому

    Thank you for the tip welding on my boat

  • @shaanbrown7663
    @shaanbrown7663 3 роки тому

    Awesome I’m learning something thank you sir.

  • @JamesKing-yy9sv
    @JamesKing-yy9sv 3 роки тому

    Great introduction to spool gun ,I have recently purchased a spool gun , trying to set it for welding 2 mm square tube
    Perhaps some suggestions on 0.8 mm wire... voltage and speed.. I'm using the metric system mm/ second and VOLTS

  • @juanmorales2145
    @juanmorales2145 3 роки тому

    Thank you for the video 👍

  • @rogicighivare2828
    @rogicighivare2828 3 роки тому

    Good lesson Sir , thank you.

  • @dillonbrowning4408
    @dillonbrowning4408 2 роки тому

    Great vid thanks man!!

  • @johnc.wunscheljr2873
    @johnc.wunscheljr2873 3 роки тому

    thanks for showing spray transfer works. I saw you pulling your weld . I thought your suppose to push on aluminum for better cleaning???. GREAT VIDEQ

  • @stephboeker7835
    @stephboeker7835 Рік тому

    Nice video.
    Okay, so you mentioned the Harbor Freight spool gun you would be reviewing and you briefly showed the spool gun you said you would be using in this video. But, although you have links to some of the products one might use , you didn't share a link for the spool gun you used in this video.
    I only mention it b'c there are a lot of different guns out there that don't seem to cut the mustard but, the gun you use seems to be the most efficient I've seen and would like to purchase one like that !!
    Thank for your generous consideration,
    Sincerely ..................

  • @fasteddie..4204
    @fasteddie..4204 3 роки тому

    Best vid I've found so far..thank you this helped me out quite a bit

  • @LogicofChaos7871
    @LogicofChaos7871 3 роки тому

    Turn up to 40cfh and see how it burns. More gas coverage. Great video. The galactic empire approves

  • @diggindiggenit6540
    @diggindiggenit6540 4 місяці тому

    I just tried the spoolgun first time today on a miller 212 non auto I had to have the heat on the lowest setting on the welder and still with messing around with different heights/speed travel the back side of the aluminum 1/8 plate had a bulging weld bead so seems 1/8 thickness or less is a no go maybe 1/4 would be perfect? had similar problems with the tig welder as well always the back side of the 1/8 inch plate had a deformity or like a bulging weld.

  • @gregjock7238
    @gregjock7238 3 місяці тому

    Hi.
    Excellent video.
    i have some portable aluminum (event) fencing.
    the fence is made of square tubing.
    the square tubing is rounded at the corners with a 5” radius.
    i tried to fabricate an aluminum fence from scratch. when i attempted to round the square tubing, the outter radius of the bend ripped.
    are is there an aluminum alloy more favorable bending like this?
    should i have heated up the area before bending?
    thanks. greg

  • @harrypersaud9422
    @harrypersaud9422 3 роки тому

    Great video sir

  • @andrewhuf6939
    @andrewhuf6939 3 роки тому

    Very very helpful