First time miging aluminum!

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I tried out my spoolmate 100 today on some aluminum.  First time miging aluminum. Lets just say the first time i started i melted my tip! I soon realized i was way to close. It didn't take long to get the hang of it after that.  After a few passes i started getting comfortable and tryed making some dimes, but had no luck.  I could only get smooth beads.  I tried turning down my wire speed but then it started burning back to my tip again.  Any technique advice you all could give me on this?  By the way i have no idea what kind of aluminum i was welding on, i just had it lying around.  I was using 4043 wire and my welder is a Millermatic 180.  I know pics would help, but i'm having to go into work so i will try to either post some late tonight or tomorro.  I really need to get this down because i need to build a couple of small aluminum fuel tanks. ThanksMillermatic 180AS w/ spoolmate 100Craftsman 110v flux core migGolden Oldy Miller stick welderIn need of a plasma cutter....More tools and junk than i know what to do with!
Reply:Originally Posted by Fabc8torSnip.... tryed making some dimes, but had no luck.  I could only get smooth beads.  .....Snip.....  Any technique advice you all could give me on this? More snip.... Thanks
Reply:Don't be afraid to turn it up and melt it in.  A little weaving is often good too, especially on fillets.   You can move the torch in small circles for the stacked dimes look if you want to but it's not necessary.  Recess the tip back into the nozzle 1/8" to 1/4" for better gas coverage then hold a 1/2" to 3/4" stick out (measured from the tip not the nozzle).  Use just enough wire speed to fill the weld but not burn back into the tip.  Your wire speed is too slow if the weld is filling in pulsing globs instead of a smooth stream, too fast if it's depositing a high mound, cold on the toes and spattering.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I have the same set up MM180 AS and Spoolmate 100.  I have had it in the garage for a few weeks now but have only had a few minutes to mess with aluminum.  I tried both 1/4" and 1/8" aluminum (only a couple of joints in each).  The 1/8" angle I welded looks really bad but seems to be holding well.  The 1/4" flat bar 1 1/2" wide that I butt welded looked great but developed cracks down the middle after stitting for a while.  Wish I had more time to experiment with it.  Keep us informed of your progress, I know it can only help me whatever info you turn loose of.  This was my first attemt at aluminum and as of yet I do not even have an aluminum project planned.  No pictures.  What I have so far is not worthy of a pic.....LOLLarry "I feel for the man who cannot spell a word more than one way."  by Mark TwainLincoln AC225-SLincoln Weldpac 100 Miller Matic 180 (auto set)Miller Spectrum 375 ExtremeMiller Spoolmate 100Victor Super Range II
Reply:Larwyn and Fabc8tor, I got to play with a MM180 and a spoolgun last week with the miller rep. Its what he had to show me how to adjust the spool gun for my machine. If I remember correctly you will be at either you highest power setting or down 1. Your wire speed will be close to maxed out also. The thickness that you are doing will determine the heat and then set the wire like DesertRider33 said. Its more of a crackle/hiss sound  than the normal sound mig makes.
Reply:On 1/8" material.  My lincoln 180c with spool gun run at near max voltage and wire speed around 3.  It sprays I presume from the sound  and beads are smooth.  I would imagine miller would have similar settings.
Reply:As for comparing speed settings from one machine setup to another, your wire speed setting will also depend on the size of the wire and the speed range of the machine.  Feed rate ranges can vary widely with different machines, so setting '3' on one machine could be way different than setting '3' on another.  Thicker wire = slower speed setting.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:One tip that i use. Is i keep a small propane torch to give a little preheat where i start to give the alum wire more bite at the start of the weld. I have been doing it like this for 30 years. Just my .02....BobBob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun