Suggestions for al welder

I've been getting someone else to do my aluminum welding, but it's time to get a new welder. The thing is 99% of all my aluminum welding is on thin gauge nothing over 1/8 inch and the majority of the welds are 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch long. I'm not looking for "professional" welds, as I'm not selling my stuff. Just repairing broken fence. Also size is a concern, must be reasonably sized. I'm thinking a spool gun on a small mig would do me fine. But I've never seen anyone use one. Just seen tig and older giant migs. It seems like most of the welding shops I take it to blow through my material.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

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I've welded up several climbing deer stands, boat awnings/bimini top supports, and fence like that, with my Hobart Handler 175 (older version of what is available now, Handler 190 I think).

I don't have a spool gun, I just run a small spool of AL wire, put a new contact tip in, and run it through the normal lead.

How do you like the Hobart? It's always been said just miller or Lincoln. But with a TSC just down the road I've checked them out.
I've always had Lincoln and never had issues.

Re: Re: Suggestions for al welder

I've had the Hobart for 10 years, never had any trouble with it. I prefer the smaller lighter stinger/lead for welding roll cage tube and odd positions also (compared to the larger mig welders)

Miller with a 30A Spool gun. The Miller 252 is a badass unit then add the 30a and you are killing it!. ON that unit when you flip between the Mig and the Spoolgun the unit remembers the settings.

I have a miller spool gun im wanting to sell in birmingham. Used it once. Now I have a syncrowave 250 for all my aluminum needs. I have 10 spools or wire with it if you are interested.

Hobart is built by miller if it makes you feel any better. I bought a Hobart Iron man 230 a while ago and I love it. If you are only using it for aluminum I would do what others have suggested and buy a small mig set up and spool it with aluminum wire.