HH 135 Need to convert for Aluminum

[gofsbo99]

trying to figure out what is needed for me to weld aluminum with the 135. My welder is currently set up as it came new out of the box(no gas) so I assume polarity is dcen.

In reading the other posts, sounds like i need to change the polarity to dcep, i need to get some argon gas, different wire, and teflon liner for the gun? Am i missing anything? I know i will also need a ss brush for cleaning. Some mentioned needing a spool gun, others say it's not necessary.

AND someone, please tell me if I'm crazy, you wont hurt my feelings. I am trying to weld an aluminum frame together for a boat lift capable of picking up 9,000 lbs. I will probably be using 3" square tubing, 1/8" thick. You can see a diagram of the item at http://www.hi-tide.com/ called lake legs. They want $4k for theirs. I haven't priced aluminum yet but I can't belive there is more than $1k of materials. If anyone has a recommendation, let me know.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[84ZMike]

Get a 220 volt machine and a spool gun.....some have used the 110v units for al, but to be honest I have just started trying it with my HH210 and it is not a job for a 110v unit to take on....if it was art then ok but to hold that kind of weight....no way....

[gofsbo99]

i appreciate your opinion & it makes sense. Looking at the design, I am now thinking that i should be able to bolt most of it together. Sounds like when you weld aluminum, you change the strength significantly. Per discountsteel.com they claim you will lose 30% of it's strenght at the welds.

[84ZMike]

I didn't look at it at first, but it does seem as if it is mostly bolted.......

[poolie_p]

We have several boat lifts in the 9 to 14 k lift weights in my family and there are very little welds. The only welding is on the boat guide poles and other stuff that is not very structural like motor mounts, end caps, cable guides and ect. Everything is bolted with ss hardware 1/2, is mostly used but there is some 5/8 and 3/4.
You are also going to be very surprised on the cost of the materals....

[boykjo]

I have a HH187 and wasn't able to weld al. Did all the set up correctly with pure argon with no luck. Some people say you can but I'm still waiting for pictures!!!!!!!! I want to see what kind of al welds these wire feeders are getting without a spool gun.

[gofsbo99]

We have several boat lifts in the 9 to 14 k lift weights in my family and there are very little welds. The only welding is on the boat guide poles and other stuff that is not very structural like motor mounts, end caps, cable guides and ect. Everything is bolted with ss hardware 1/2, is mostly used but there is some 5/8 and 3/4.
You are also going to be very surprised on the cost of the materals....

I got a quote from discountsteel.com and it will run around $1600 shipped. This is for 3" square tubing 1/8 thick + some plate steel to strengthen the corners. Driving wood piling is going to run me approx $2,000. Not sure it's going to be worth the minimal savings. Ofcourse, alum should last forever, + it seems like it takes the pile drivers forever to get me on their schedule.

[9erhater]

I tried to convert my 110 over years ago. Big waste of time and money. I had lots of problems just trying to weld with it, and the welds I did get .looked like garbage. I guess thats probably why I got a miller dynasty now.
good luck with the project.