My answer to that rhetorical question is a definite YES! But there are a few steps to follow to get a smooth operation.
I’ve been researching a little bit on how to do this and taken a few tips and decided to go for it.
Here is what I learned. First, most Aluminum MIG wire is 4043. I used 5356 because it’s stiffer than 4043 to allow it run though the machine without birdcaging. Second, I used 030 wire but used a 035 tip. This is because Aluminum expands a lot at the flash point so that 035 tip allows it to expand and not jam in the tip. Third, remove the tip and run the wire through the hose and gun, then feed the wire through the tip, then add your shield. Fourth, have to use 100% Argon shielding gas and not the 75/25 for mild steel. Fifth, prep the joint by back filing to get deep penetration. Sixth, make sure there are no kinks in the lead that would cause the wire to get stuck. Seventh, make sure your wire speed is up really high since aluminum burns really hot. So it needs to becoming out fast in order to weld smoothly. From there, will need to dial-in your heat to get the right penetration.
I played around with it on my 110v machine and got some decent welds that look good after grinding them back to check.
So done right, no need for a Spool gun to MIG weld aluminum. Even though I’m a novice with aluminum, it worked fairly well for me.
