I'm looking into buying a machine for my personal use of building bow fishing decks, rails, boxes, boat repairs etc. . Also I've read some people rather run 5356 over 4043 wire due to strength but not all machines like it, so a machine that supports both is a plus. Looking to spend around 2k. All info welcome and appreciated!

Make sure you get a push/pull or a spool gun.

With a regular push rig the wire wants to wad up in between the rollers and the liner. 5356 will help this because it's a harder alloy but will not eliminate it.

Miller makes some nice rigs but not sure on prices.

I run a 30a spool gun off a Millermatic 200 and it does well but I'm hoping my next machine will be a push/pull rig.


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I don't weld aluminum a whole lot but I run the 200 series spool gun on a millermatic 212 and I've just always run 5356.. Never had any trouble with it and it welds good but like I said I don't build boats like these guys. Just little odd and end jobs like you're planning on doing. But I do know if you plan on being in salt you need to use 5356 because it won't corrode like 4043

Push-pull guns are very nice but are close to 2k by themselves. Best bet would look for a used miller 212 or lincoln 210 or similar machines and buy a spool gun. And yes 5356 is stronger and more corrosion resistant. It doesn't weld as nice as the 4043 because it doesn't have the Silicon added to help it wet out when welding. That's why people say some machines don't like 5356 but really most of the time it just takes a little more tweaking to get it to weld right.

the smaller machines dont have enough wire speed for 5356 thats why the machines dont like it. i ran a miller 211 with a spoolmate 100 before upgrading to a miller 350p. wouldnt weld 5356 but would burn 4043 all day long. if the 252 had pulse that is what i would have. also keep a lookout on ebay for push pull guns. i got a 35ft alumapro for a good price. also bought both my machines off ebay and saved quite a bit

I have heard a lot of mixed statements about using the miller 212 using 5356 wire. I would like to have it use both in case I plan on building my own. Anyone ever had a boat welded with 4043 have issues with welds breaking? I was leaning toward the miller 252 but if I can get by with the 212 and a spool gun that'll save me some $.

Miller 210 (older machine) with a 3035 spool gun using 5356 .035 wire. I have built several hulls and this works for me. Now the newer machines (350p) are sweet, but also expensive. Unless you plan on welding ALOT of aluminum for $$$, then its hard to justify getting. Mine was approx. $1400 about 13 years or so ago and the spoolgun was an additional $500. My model looks exactly like the MM252, except the MM252 has infinite settings, mine doesn't. I have only tried 4043 once in my machine, and it did lay out a better bead, but I wanted to go with the 5356 after tealking to several builders.

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I run a MM252 with the 25' alumapro push pull lead. Seeing as how I'm from the great white north and salt water will never be a part of the equation, I used 5052 base material and 4043 wire in 035 size. If I'm not mistaken 5086 has a higher resistance to bending but will more likely crack. Whereas 5052 will bend before cracking and since I would rather have a nice bend in my hull that a nice crack any day.


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I run a Lincoln PM300 with a Python push pull. I bought mine off Craigslist. It was my best buy in my life. Look on Craigslist. My welder came from Oregon. My Lincoln tig came off Craigslist in Tennessee. I see great buys on welders on there all the time.

Is the push pull gun worth it?

I have a Hobart Ironman 210. I have no complaints about the spool gun.

Don't use 4043 wire with 5086. It gets brittle and cracks.

Not a fan of 4043 on boat hulls. From corrosion to cracking 5356 is a far better choice. Like mentioned above about 14 years ago guy brought in a boat that " guy built used 4043 filler " the welds along the seams turned to powder/chalky way down to the root of the weld. Far as machine' I like the blue ones with 350p on the side. I don't use a push pull" had some problems with them" I use the 30a. Been using the same exact tip in the gun for over a year. All ways buy more machine than u think you need if affordable. Like above you can find deals on eBay it's where I got mine.

I've got a Lincoln 255 power mig. What's the best gun for this machine? For alum?

As mentioned by these other guys who lay down wire for a living I would go with a spool gun to handle the one pound spool. I happen to have a good push pull that came with my welder. The spool gun would be the best I believe for you. I would look up and see what model spool gun Lincoln recommends for your welder and get that one. You got a nice unit.
I have been stick welding rebar net anchors all week. Got black boogers to prove it. I much prefer gas welding.