Buying a new mig welder

[DarkoStoj]

We had a older miller 250 mig welder for years but don't have it anymore.

We need to purchase a good MIG welder and was wondering what is the best option out there? Would need 250 amp at a minimum.

Anyone ever use a spool gun for aluminum? How do they work?

Also, have been thinking about an inverter tig. Is the dynasty still the one to get?

 

[Siegel1719]

Millermatic 252 end of discussion lol. Great all-around easy to use machine. Can be had under 4k with spool gun. Personally don't like to Mig weld aluminum just because its not the prettiest and you don't good good results on thin metals. Prefer Tig for aluminum.

As far as Inverter Tig yes the dynasty 350 is just about the best your going to get. Miss that welder more then anything else from my previous job.

 

[afolk83]

The spool gun is handy to have but in no way should it be the main gun. It is very awkward to use for most projects. I bought a spool gun welder and had to but another welder for everyday use.

 

[mikesfastss]

It depends on what kind of aluminum welding your doing, my brother has a spool gun for aluminum and it's perfect for the jobs he does( aluminum fuel tanks, steps, trailers, transmissions things like that) but if your looking to do bungs on intakes and things of that nature I would get a tig.

 

[camaromann]

Millermatic 252 end of discussion lol. Great all-around easy to use machine. Can be had under 4k with spool gun. Personally don't like to Mig weld aluminum just because its not the prettiest and you don't good good results on thin metals. Prefer Tig for aluminum.

As far as Inverter Tig yes the dynasty 350 is just about the best your going to get. Miss that welder more then anything else from my previous job.

I second everything this says.

 

[mustangmike6996]

Ive got a Lincoln 180C with the spool gun.

If I were doing anything bigger thicker than automotive frames I would step the machine up. I can comfortable weld 3/8" steel (with proper bevel, speed/feed and wire size)

The spool gun is VERY tricky to use because the weight is in an odd spot. The center of gravity is at your wrist. Its hard to control and makes a mess. It splatters hot puddles of aluminum all over. I cut, narrowed, and welded my Crown Victoria aluminum cradle with my spool gun. It came out good but it is nowhere near as pretty as a tig.