Re: HTP multiprocess machine?

Ernie - would this setup allow for aluminum TIG?

No, but niether does the HTP Multi-process machine, since it is DC only.

You could do aluminum TIG using DCEP with a Maxstar 140 or a Maxstar

You could still do it on the Maxstar 150, but it means a messy torch gas hookup.

But if you have the spoolgun you can just MIG the aluminum.

Readywelders rock. I just finished assembling 180 feet of stainless steel railing using my Readywelder to MIG-Braze the tubes in. Pickets every 4 inches. great gun. I was running mine off my Betamig 250.

I have run my Readywelder from my Maxstar 200DX to weld aluminum, and structural steel. For the structural I was running 0.035" dual shield wire with C25 gas.

Ernie,

How does the ready welder handle aluminum? How are the welds compared to TIG welding?

Thanks, Rick

The readywelder easily matches any other spoolgun I have used, and I have used them all.

Aluminum MIG welds willl vary in appearance whether you are running Globualr, Short Circuit, or Spray.

Globular looks a bit lumpy but is good for jumping gaps, filling holes, and building up areas. Short Circuit is best for thin materiels, and looks very much like a steel MIG weld. Spray tends to leave a smooth bead with no ripples.

TIG welds will almost always look better than MIG welds unless you get into pulsed MIG.

MIG is considerably faster than TIG, and does risk more distortion.

Earnie, which ReadyWelder did you do this with, the #10250 ?

Thanks.

Yes that is the one I have.

They use a standard Tweco front end so consumables are easy to find anywhere.

Earnie, which ReadyWelder did you do this with, the #10250 ?

Thanks.

Ernie, I think you've convinced me. HTP won't be shipping their new machine until July. One question: How does a Readywelder gun handle shielding gases? Does it use the source machine's gas solenoid, or does it have its own?

Thanks!

-Jon

I went ahead and ordered a Maxstar 150 and Readywelder for use as a MIG gun. If Readywelders are as good as Ernie says they are, the days of the 300-lb MIG welder must be numbered. I can actually find a spot to squeeze a 24-volt battery array into my work truck, so I should be good to go whenever.

Thanks for the input and discussion.

The Readywelder has it's own gas line with a 10 foot hose to get to the flow guage on the bottle.

The trigger in the readywelder is also the control valve.

I had my reservations, but after reading Ernie's glowing reviews, I broke down and bought one. All I can say is damn, why the hell does Miller get big bucks for their spool gun???? I'm using my Readywelder with an older milllermatic vintage, welding mostly 6061, 6063 and 5052 and I am no longer clearing birds nests out of the welder every 10 minutes....Now I can actually make some money building signs.

erie

Ernie Leimkuhler wrote: