In this video, Kevin Roy “sticks it to aluminum” and compares SMAW (stick) using 4043 electrodes with GMAW (MIG) push-pull. You’ll see a real-world setup, cleaning, and preheat, as well as welding technique, and a side-by-side results review (including a quick bend/penetration check). If you’ve ever wondered when aluminum stick is “good enough” vs. when a push-pull gun is worth it, this walkthrough is for you. 

Special Thanks to Ironworkers 736.