aluminum, m 172 mig welder .. settings??

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Im just wondering if anyone has welded aluminum (spool gun) with this machinem 172 mig welderlinkhttp://www.blueshield.ca/en/docs/pdf...eet_M172_E.pdfIf so .. could you say the settings you used for 1/8" or 1/4", butt / corner joints (and do you prefer to pull or push the weld? i've only welded aluminum with mig by pushing it)Any information would be greatly appreciated, im planning on building a TrailerThank you
Reply:I don't know anything about that particular machine.  I assume it would have similar aluminum capabilities as a Millermatic 180 and spool gun.   1/4" is going to be stretching it but 1/8" shouldn't be a problem, based on the output of the machine.Generally, aluminum is mig'd by pushing the weld, but you can pull too, just don't use a low drag angle cause pulling doesn't give as good gas coverage and pulling with a low drag angle is worse for gas coverage.  Pull when you want deeper penetration and not concerned with a flat bead profile, as pulling gives a narrower, taller bead than pushing.  Push when you want a wider, flatter bead profile.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:thanksand im assuming 100% argon would be better then co2?And i'll just go trial and error with the settings, only 4 volt settings so hopefully wont waste to much aluminum getting it set thanks again
Reply:Yes. You'll need 100% argon to do alum. Skip the lower taps. Alum needs a ton of heat compared to steel. If you've only got four taps, set it at #4 and crank the wire speed almost all the way up to start on 1/8" alum. Expect to need to set the wire at about 2x as fast as you probably would with steel..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Hey 3wguy,I also have not seen that particular welder either, & as DesertRider responded, it should be similar to a 180A unit if the true output is at or near the 172 designation. If it is lower, you will probably not get near 1/4" for a good solid weld, but may squeak by with 3/16".What grade of material? (6061?)   What grade & size wire do you plan on using? (4043, 5356?) You will be much better using .035  5356 for your application as it's a bit stronger & easier to feed. Also, you will need to change your MIG gun tip to .005 larger opening, ie., .035 wire=.040 tip. Wire stickout should be maintained at 1/2" for optimum results & always cut the wire after stopping your weld bead to insure a good start for the next bead. Gas is 100% Argon, indoors at 18-22cfh, outdoors on a calm day(very little air movement) at 22-26cfh. You will also experience "false" starts.... the wire hits the material, arcs, & then "pops" off with a burnback to the tip..... gonna happen with aluminum. To minimize this effect, you should maintain a gun angle not less than 75-80 degrees. MIG aluminum runs hot & fast, so don't sit there once the puddle is formed.....move steadily "pushing" with a slight "C" weave. It takes a bit of practice to get the feel of wire feed & travel speed, so practice on some residual cutoffs as much as possible.Lastly....aluminum is another world.... cleanliness is next to Godliness with aluminum. Get a couple SS wire "toothbrushes" & some acetone & clean your weld joint just prior to welding. Keep all your aluminum accessories(brushes, grinder wheels, sand discs, etc.) separate from your steel accessories. Practice....practice....practice. I would also suggest you post some pics of your practice pieces so we can offer suggestions to remedy any flaws you have & how to correct them. That will insure your project will have excellent results & your satisfaction.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."