WHO'S THE WELDING GURU AROUND HERE ( ALUMINUM )

[DOUGLAS]

i have been a basic welder for many years nothing fancy. learned how to stick and mig weld in the 80"s. i have welded many a thing steel only. i recently picked up 2 all aluminum utility back body's for my my work trucks. these body's are designed for the gm square body 78-87. i already modified 1 unit to fit my k3500 crew cab. had to cut some of the inner compartment in the front towards the cab to clear the frame. now i need to weld in new material.
the 2nd utility body is military grade and enclosed easy to remove the top its all rivitted but there are other mods i will need to do. most of this is 1/8 material. been lookin at welders and not interested in breaking the back. currently for the last 20 years i have been using a basic lincoln 100 it is the most basic wire welder there is and for me it has done me well. i'm sure guys with more knowledge might have said don't buy that lil thing its junk. i have no issues with it and have pushed it to its max at times it is still in use today. so now i;m looking to get a mew set up that won't break the bank been looking at lincoln 140 welder and magnum 100sg spool gun. i am not making a living with this equipment not every day use. and like anything you buy or any company you are interested in doing business with you can research all the pro's and con's. i have done that and for higher end useres the reply was mostly the same you get what you pay for. i;m sure they would of said that about the lincoln 100 i have. any info from everyone is welcome.
thank you

[The norm]

Douglas, I would ask someone at a welding supply store if the welder you want has enough ass to weld aluminum.  Aluminum is an awesome heat sink so it takes a ton of heat to make a weld.  I have never used a 110 volt welder for aluminum.  I have a friend that bought a Vulcan 220 volt mig welder from harbor freight.  He uses a spool gun for aluminum.  It seems to work well and only cost him around $700.

Good luck
Loren

[DOUGLAS]

i did go to a welding supply store for questions. and of course they want yo sell me a $ 2000 machine. i have looked at the harbor freight ones there is a store only 5 minuets from my home. i got about $ 1000. to spend i was hoping for the convenience of 110 volt. but after more research it appears 220 volt is the way to go. my old stick welder was 220 it was a battle ship super HD. i gave it to my friend with 2 100 ft welding  cable. when i got my mig welder i stopped using stick and after a while it was just taking up real estate in my basement. thanks for the info.

[The norm]

No problem. I think a 110 volt could work under perfect conditions,  but those are rare. I would hate to see you fight with a new welding machine.