MIG Welding Aluminum (without a spool gun): 4 Tips

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[ZILAwelds]

there you go ! mig welding without spool gun !!!! I have been doing that for 10 years !!!
works great

[Ratkill]

Some other advice, get a couple mig guns and leads. One for mild steel, aluminum with the teflon liner, and one for stainless steel. Label them so you know which you want and just swap them out. Yeah it's expensive, but it'll save you time rather than replacing liners after each use. Especially if you are doing a multi-metal project that isn't just steel or aluminum exclusively.

[JeffS]

Y'know what I love, and this isn't exclusive to Everlast, but honestly all the big names in welding. Y'all put a ton of effort into giving people the tools to LEARN how to weld. It's a bloody complicated and expensive thing for someone to just dive into but y'all really put effort into it and even though I paid $4k for my welding foundation and work as a welder even I am able to learn from you. That's pretty sweet.

[jaysmith]

Excellent tips. I have been using all these tips on my 253 as well
I have one small additional tip, don't cut the Teflon liner as short, but make it extend as close to the drive roller. Just short of touching the drive roller. .
I also use an 1/16 Teflon liner with the .045 /1.2 wire. I know a lot of people will disagree with that. I counter their disagreement with the fact I use A 5 meter mig gun with little to no problems
Don't forget to use U drive rollers.

[izabelful]

I really appreciate for teaching us how to weld aluminum w/n spool gun, thanks.

[allanwilson]

That was great info , I don't have an everlast machine but my gys multipearl 210 was supplied with a steel mig set up an aluminium mig set up and a euro fit tug set up. I hadn't tried the aluminium set up for all the reasons you've shown but now with all the tips you've given I think it'll be worth a shot. Many thanks.

[jonstar]

I'm looking to buy my first Mig welder (as a diyer) but non did aluminium.
Your tips convinced me of workarounds. They shall get laminated and putup in my garage.
MIG WELDING TIPS
1. Make sure your torch lead is a straight as possible as the filler wire is soft aluminium.
2. 5356 filler wire is softer than 4043 wire so try 4043 wire.
3. Use the next size up gun tip for your wire as the soft aluminium filler wire gets pinched in the rollers and can become oval in shape which can cause 'birds nest'.
4. Change your torch lead liner to a Teflon Liner.
Great video

[finleycly]

Also, swap out your drive rollers. You need U-groove rollers for aluminum wire.

[onetimer]

Thanks for the tips. I think half my problem is wire feed. I switched to the 5386 or whatever it is and that helped out a lot. My boss don't like the weave on aluminum the way you welded. I like it for heat control especially at the beginning of the weld when it's at its coldest. It sure looks a lot better though. Obviously the dimes have to be prone to a crack the a straight high build Caterpillar looking stringer. Either way thanks for the tips

[ypaulbrown]

well done Jessie...cheers from Florida, Paul

[johnw]

Nice video tips! 👍👍 two thumbs for this one! You are right on point with your mig gun adjustments. Took me years of frustration to figure this out.. 😳

[outdoorzone]

Awesome!! I forgot that was possible! Thank you sir!! I will order a Teflon liner soon! Just in case!

[breamboss]

Good video, but have you guys tried a graphite liner? Graphite liner is way stiffer then a teflon liner and will help out even more.

[hectorr]

EXCELENTE VIDEO¡¡... Y MUY ILUSTRATIVO¡¡...SALUDOS DESDE MEXICO¡¡

[jaybirds]

Thanks. I was about to spend a ton on parts. I will use my MiG and change the parts

[davidusry]

Also, keeping your roller tensioner properly set helps keep the wire from bird nesting every time the wire feels resistance.

[Alimotevalian-gi]

your $600 welder is fine but aluminum wire is soft and keep getting stuck , with spool gun you can run thinnest wire without issues.

[hubertrobinson]

That's how I learned to mig weld aluminum before that I did stick welding on aluminum now I own a spool gun

[richardfuerst]

Another great video Jesse! 👍 Thank you.

[DrFiero]

Is the Teflon liner still ok for regular steel wire? Disadvantages of leaving it in there?