They make a mini spool gun for the Hobart machines, but IMHO if I had that much aluminum welding to do I'd buy a TIG machine instead. I do small aluminum welding jobs with my Ox/ac torch, it works well and is a lot easier than switching over a MIG machine from steel to Al.

 

I've used Miller equipment primarily, Mig & Tig, even in school. I've also used Lincoln Mig & Tig as an apprentice with a professional bike builder and metal sclupture artist and I really like them both...great results!!!

I agree with everyone that you get what you pay for...you must consider replacement parts, service and repairs....you do not want to send the unit back to the factory for repairs!!!

Right now Miller has some rebates on these units: Offer Ends April 15, 2008

$150 Rebate Millermatic® 212 and a Spoolmate™ 3035 Series Spool Gun

$75 Rebate Millermatic® 180 or Millermatic® 180 with Auto-Set™ and a
Spoolmate™ 100 Series Spool Gun

$50 Rebate Millermatic® 140 or Millermatic® 140 with Auto-Set™ and a
Spoolmate™ 100 Series Spool


Good luck...oh yeah...IF ya don't have 220V in you garage yet...you can
always run a unit off a portable generator IF it has the correct circut-breaker!

 

I'd allow some extra money to buy a real gauge set for the gas tank on any MIG machine that doesn't come with a good set. Many of them have just a pre-set flow control valve. You can't tell how much gas is left in the bottle until your welds start looking like junk. The single best invention of the last decade is the auto-darkening hoods, they're down to $75 for a good-quality unit.

 

The regulator that came with my Hobart 140 is adjustable and does read out the bottle contents, no need to change it out.
I agree on the SD helmet, don't try to weld without one especially if you are a novice.
That is another place most welders cut corners, they give you a "holloween mask on a stick" with the unit that requires you to weld one handed. Good MIG welding is a two handed operation! One hand holds the gun, while the other steadies and guides it at the right distance away.
It wasn't self darkening but my welder came with a full hood and functional head gear. My wife often uses it to watch or assist me when I'm welding. Also in the box was a pair of welding gloves and a combo brush/chipping hammer. Sometime NT has a deal where they include a free welding cart. If not, building a cart is a great first project to learn your welder.
While you are buying acessories, pick up a stainless steel bristled wire brush and a pair of long jawed needle nose pliers with a wire cutting area to cut back the welding wire and you use the jaws to clean spatter out of the shield housing and for holding things. Dedicate the pliers to welding use only and keep with the welder, you'll use them every time you weld.
Also don't fool yourself with a false sense of economy by getting a small cylinder of shielding gas, get one of the large sized ones.

 

I use a Millermatic 300 on deployments and it's held up against the sand and weather really good. Doesn't weld too bad either. Might be a bit expensive though. Just thought I throw it out there.

 

I would stick with Lincoln, Miller or Hobart and for sure 220V with Gas.