Can a Lincoln 180 HD weld aluminum?
If you have access to 208/230 volt input power, you can weld on thicker material. Simple two knob control makes it easy to tackle thin steel, stainless or aluminum sheet metal with MIG or thicker steel with flux-cored welding. Lincoln Electric MIG-Pak® 180 is an excellent choice!
Do you need a spool gun to MIG weld aluminum?
Successful welding with aluminum requires a stable arc. With its short feed distance, a spool gun provides a steady, reliable feed of the soft aluminum wire. If you can pull this off—and if your welder has the power needed—there is no reason you can’t weld aluminum without a spool gun.
Why do you need a spool gun for aluminum?
It Improves the Stability of Your Arcs To successfully weld aluminum, you need to maintain a stable arc. If you’re having trouble steadying your arc, a spool gun could provide you with the stability you need. The gun’s short feed distance means you don’t have to feed too far before you hit the weld puddle.
What is an aluminum spool gun?
There is no question that aluminum has special characteristics that require it be welded different than other metals. Spool guns were designed to help feed difficult wire in an effort to avoid messy welding by placing the feeder right on the gun. Reliable wire feeding is among the most important parts of welding.
