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

Рет қаралды 632,416

Күн бұрын

A walkthrough of aluminum MIG welding from square one covering equipment, settings and technique.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), also known as Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Metal and Gas (MAG) and Wire Feed Welding can be used to weld a wide variety of aluminum parts when done with the right setup and technique. In this video, I demonstrate dialing in the aluminum welding process using a spool gun on a basic MIG welding machine.
***Affordable self-paced welding courses taught by me***
courses.timwelds.com
MIG Welding Basics Videos:
MIG Welding Basics for Beginners: • How to MIG Weld for Be...
MIG Welder Settings: • MIG Welder Settings: M...
How to Set Up a MIG Welder: • How to Set Up a MIG We...
Product Links (I earn a small commission from sales to support my channel):
MIG Calcultor (Amazon Affiliate Link): amzn.to/36SZiMU
MIG Welding Pliers (Amazon Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3eGNFvy
Welding Jacket (Amazon Affiliate Link): amzn.to/2XntH33
Welding Gloves (Amazon Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3eDcAQv ***Affiliate Notice***
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links which provide a small commission from sales to help support this channel and make these videos possible. Thanks for your support!

Пікірлер: 313

@kevwallace6628 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@kevwallace6628 3 жыл бұрын

@@heffegaming haha, goodluck! Do what he did

@kyleclarke1896 2 жыл бұрын

Quick question what is a 2f test ?

@kevwallace6628 2 жыл бұрын

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

@kyleclarke1896 2 жыл бұрын

@@kevwallace6628 ohhh Okok thank you 🙏🏾

@charlesh1735 5 ай бұрын

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.

@warrenrodgers6876 3 жыл бұрын

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🇺🇸

@marcoshernando6120 2 жыл бұрын

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

@somanynamesilltrythis0180 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@MiklaDfar 3 жыл бұрын

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

@andrewjschutz 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@wilsondelosreyes5335 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@algordon5843 2 жыл бұрын

The most comprehensive concise and practical videos on KZfaq 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!

@johnnyg5790 2 жыл бұрын

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

@jeepcj3b436 2 жыл бұрын

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

@karlgreene8489 3 жыл бұрын

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

@matthewmyers7440 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@MattheuD 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TempleThomas 3 жыл бұрын

Just got my spool gun - thanks for the help.

@mkeyser 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@adamfreeman6679 3 жыл бұрын

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

@PrimalOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks this was very clear and useful Jason

@mistermac4118 10 ай бұрын

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

@NN-cw9rb 8 ай бұрын

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

@jdduddy614 3 жыл бұрын

This is a great video. Just simple welding.

@MrPatdeeee 3 жыл бұрын

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

@mikesapp3241 2 жыл бұрын

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

@cowabungask8r 3 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

@Graham Kameron Instablaster =)

@grahamkameron3248 2 жыл бұрын

@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 2 жыл бұрын

@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 2 жыл бұрын

@Graham Kameron No problem :)

@davepiotrowski1992 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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

@dddddmorgan 3 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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

@ausfrog381 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely great video explaining everything

@fasteddie..4204 2 жыл бұрын

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

@toddeich333 Жыл бұрын

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

@nahbro5520 2 жыл бұрын

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

@e90julien 2 жыл бұрын

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

@chrismitchell45 3 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@larrydesantiago5206 3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate you and this video man! Got my sub

@GOONRID3RFRANKLIN 2 жыл бұрын

Great steady and effective technique thank you

@craigrobertson5030 7 ай бұрын

Been thrust into AL, helped answer some questions

@WillPemble 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tim! What a fantastic tutorial :)

@GuestInvitado-gd3bi 5 ай бұрын

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.👍👍

@ayebee1207 2 жыл бұрын

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

@2012jcarpenter 3 жыл бұрын

Great videos. Thank you!

@stevo3644 3 жыл бұрын

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

@benjaminstubbs7845 3 жыл бұрын

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

@slothsvr8151 2 жыл бұрын

Great info keep up the good work brother

@Squatch_830 2 жыл бұрын

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

@tswrench 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent instruction!

@ckvasnic1 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TimWelds 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

@ckvasnic1 2 жыл бұрын

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

@jadymulqueeney 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim, very good info

@gabeofalltrades0770 5 ай бұрын

Found this super helpful! Thanks!

@onecarwood Жыл бұрын

Great video. Everything I needed to know.

@jorgerosales609 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent mate! Gracias

@shaanbrown7663 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome I’m learning something thank you sir.

@kermitthefrog6363 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks again Tim...it is appreciated!

@OrdnanceTV 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@nigelbeaumont1109 6 ай бұрын

Great informative Video Sir.

@dragon6594 Жыл бұрын

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

@sailingkulali 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim!

@56WagonWheel 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful, thanks

@rogicighivare2828 3 жыл бұрын

Good lesson Sir , thank you.

@enriquerodriguez1804 Жыл бұрын

Good instructions 👍 Thanks guy.

@ar5000 2 жыл бұрын

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

@matthewlouis167 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@mdandry 10 ай бұрын

Very helpful, thanks 🙌🏻

@paulrockey830 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic, thank you!

@Aaron-hj4cg 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@chipsammich2078 2 жыл бұрын

Might be running to hot..

@alexandergarcia240 3 жыл бұрын

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

@TurboWorld Жыл бұрын

Very decent! Thanks for the help!

@stanleyjobson2556 3 жыл бұрын

Good my friend. Very nice video about of aluminum weld

@paul_schuette 3 жыл бұрын

Great video!

@johnjennings8085 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@daveosland3199 2 жыл бұрын

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

@lesdeanjns 3 жыл бұрын

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

@scottcarr3264 3 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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

@juanmorales2145 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video 👍

@jmav3783 3 жыл бұрын

Great video👍

@lordvoldemort9651 2 жыл бұрын

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 🤭😏

@dillonbrowning4408 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid thanks man!!

@davecaresforyou7606 Жыл бұрын

This was amazing

@dailydosacmann7590 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! Thank you for explaining this is such detail :-) Just discovered your channel, and I'm a New Subscriber too!

@samm844 Жыл бұрын

Tv6 Tt

@thomasheer825 2 жыл бұрын

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

@harrypersaud9422 2 жыл бұрын

Great video sir

@andrewhuf6939 2 жыл бұрын

Very very helpful

@zenjon7892 Жыл бұрын

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

@ks7002 3 жыл бұрын

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

@takeit2-11 10 ай бұрын

awesome! thanks

@bquade70 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent, I subscribed. 👍👍 Just learning... Hobart handler 140.

@andyb7754 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@2thousand27 28 күн бұрын

Awesome, thank you so much

@mikeh2772 3 жыл бұрын

Good looking results. Makes me want to go back to using my ESAB ST-23 gun more.

@johnc.wunscheljr2873 3 жыл бұрын

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

@anarchistangler Жыл бұрын

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

@FaizalYacob 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your howto.

@draxxmedia4063 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you much!

@anthonytitian8386 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tip welding on my boat

@rickardo5027 2 жыл бұрын

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

@SQUIGGLEVISION3D 3 жыл бұрын

you are a hero

@davidroberts6594 3 жыл бұрын

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

@TimWelds 3 жыл бұрын

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

@johnbonnier7598 11 ай бұрын

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

@TheStrlx 2 жыл бұрын

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 ?