Hi all. It looks as if I, like a lot in this NG would like to get into aluminum welding. I have a Century buzz box that I try to stick pieces of metal together with. I have a steel dock that I did a bit of rework on this winter, and lo & behold, one of the nuts that I had stitch welded to some light wall square tube broke when I tightened the bolt down. Pretty sad considering I am a welding inspector. (Flame away) Anyway, I am thinking about building a new aluminum dock frame this winter, as I think I can probably buy a decent wire feeder setup & the materials for the cost of a new dock. What I am wondering is with all the tight angles, and small runs (1" - 1 1/4" square tube), if I may be better off with a TIG unit? One thing that I have to keep in mind is that this is more of a hobby than anything. Unless of course someone really likes my cool new dock & wants me to build one. :-) Any thoughts on this? I see some Lincolns, and Millers in the $500 - $600 range that may be OK. (Plus Al spool gun). The TIG units I have seen look to be considerably more. ($1500 range) Thanks in advance for any advice.
Paul