Bobcat 225 NT Weld Aluminum

[RajunCajun]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum. We have a Bobcat 225 NT with a "Suitcase" mig that rarely gets used. Pretty much all of our welding is stick on 30+ year old tractor equipment. What would be the best avenue to do LIGHT aluminum welding? For example I need to replace the front deck in my aluminum boat along with other assorted items.

Regards,

RajunCajun

[RajunCajun]

Little more info.

I think the suitcase is an 8vs. I am not familiar with mig so have not used it. We purchased the 225 used with a couple hundred hours on it and it included the suitcase. As I look at the specs of the 8vs it is supposed to be capable of Aluminum but I am not sure if I would have to purchase a spool gun or some other accessory.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[cruizer]

You'll be needing a WC-115 with contactor and a spoolmatic 30A.

[RajunCajun]

You'll be needing a WC-115 with contactor and a spoolmatic 30A.

Thanks for the advice but that is a little out of my price range. Do I have any other options?

[RajunCajun]

Ok, Google tells me that its theoreticaly possible to feed aluminum wire through a Mig welder. Some mig welders have kits that change the rollers and liner. Given the limited nature of the Aluminum welding I want to do, can the Suitcase be setup for aluminum?

[cruizer]

Yes but you'll go through more wire than being welded, untangling wire birdnests every few seconds.

[hadley perdue]

rig

Thanks for the advice but that is a little out of my price range. Do I have any other options?

I have one of those rigs for aluminum I'll sell you for $1000.00 plus UPS postage....it's the WC-115-A and Spoolmatic 30A spool gun. Hadley Perdue 707-202-0014 Athens Ga.

[hadley perdue]

aluminum welding rig ---with corrected telephone number

Ok, Google tells me that its theoreticaly possible to feed aluminum wire through a Mig welder. Some mig welders have kits that change the rollers and liner. Given the limited nature of the Aluminum welding I want to do, can the Suitcase be setup for aluminum?

I have the equipment you need. Call me at 706-202-0014. Thank you Hadley Perdue

[hadley perdue]

corrected telephone number

Thanks for the advice but that is a little out of my price range. Do I have any other options?

I have the equipment you need, see the description nearby. Thank you ,Hadley Perdue 706-202-0014

[RajunCajun]

Ok, I know I am setting myself up for frustration but I cannot justify (to myself or the wife) spending $1000+ for the very small amount of Aluminum welding I need to do.

What I need to setup the suitcase to run Aluminum?

BTW... I know I will be kicking myself later, but I had my skull replaced with 1/2" mild steel and now no good advice can get through.

[diverdown]

welding aluminum

take a look at the readywelder battery powered spool gun, can be hooked up to your welder. just got mine and have been fooling around with it and like it alot. bought mine here in canada for $640.00. diverdown

[RajunCajun]

take a look at the readywelder battery powered spool gun, can be hooked up to your welder. just got mine and have been fooling around with it and like it alot. bought mine here in canada for $640.00. diverdown

Very Interesting, let me know how it works for you.

[Bob Miller]

Try the 8 VS

You could try your 8 VS. Get the shortest gun you can find, like the Bernard S series 8' long or shorter. Keep the liner/hose straight as possible when welding.
My Millermatic 90 fed Al through about a 10' gun. I did have my share of birds nest though. It's a pain, you have to pull the gun out, cut off the wire, pull it out of the liner, and restring the gun. It worked ok for little things, couldn't do any real work.
I finaly sold it to a guy that just did mild steel.
Use the small rolls of Al in case you have to go to a spool gun.
Good Luck,
Bob

[Miller John]

I think you'll be very dissapointed with a standard feeder. Even with short guns, they will not feed well as soon as the gun is not perfectly straight. If you want to stay with that machine and a low cost, 2 options that come to mind are:
1. Spoolmate 3035 spool gun with an SGA 100C control.
2. Millermatic 140, 180 or 211 with a Spoolmate 100 series gun. This would also allow you to run wire in your shop.

[JSFAB]

As John said, you will most likely be disappointed.

I have no personal experience here, all aluminum I've ever done was with a spoolgun or TIG.

If you want to increase your chances of success,,,,,,,

Use 5356 wire. It's harder and stiffer than 4043.

Minimum wire size 1/16".

Use a dedicated teflon liner, don't ever run steel thru it, it will contamintate it.

As previously stated, short and straight is good.