How to Use a MIG Welder to Weld Aluminum

MIG welding aluminum is slightly more difficult than welding most metals. Because of its softness, aluminum wire is difficult to push through a wire feed; thus, you must use a spool gun to reduce the distance that the wire has to travel. In addition, you must weld only on 14 gauge or higher aluminum. Thinner aluminum may result in you blowing through the aluminum piece when using MIG.

Things You'll Need

  • MIG welder with spool gun
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Connect the weld cable from the spool gun to the positive stud in the weld compartment.

    • 2

      Remove the spool canister cover. Remove the contact tip from the spool gun. Thread the wire through the gun, using guides provided by the manufacturer, and replace the canister cover. Close the tension arm and install the correct contact tip to your spool gun. The contact tip should match the wire diameter.

    • 3

      Practice welding on an insulated surface. Increase your wire tension, by adjusting the tension arm, until you achieve a consistent wire speed.

    • 4

      Clean the surface of the aluminum to which you will be welding aluminum wire, with a stainless steel brush.

    • 5

      Hold the MIG welder at a 10 to 15 degree push angle to the surface of the aluminum being welded. This allows the shield gas to get in front of the weld puddle, thus cleaning the material. The nozzle should be about 3/4 inch from the work surface.

    • 6

      Use a straight weld motion to weld your wire to your aluminum surface.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved