Aluminum MIG wire, Which is best?

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for those that run AL MIG, have you found a difference in the various brands of AL wire? Generic vs brand name wire or recommendations on what to use or avoid.   I am tempted to try push MIG as I had to shorten a gun cable that was bad to about 12 ft.   So I will need to order a larger than 1lb spool to fit in the machineTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I tried about all the brands and settled on AlcoTec for repairing and reflooring a fleet of about 30 well used alum. dump trailers.
Reply:Alcotec works great.  Inexpensive too.  Hobart is speedy but works greatMiller 350PMiller 30AHobart trekHTP Invertig 221
Reply:I run alco 5356 3/64 ran about 5 20lb spools in the last couple weeks there last batch of wire isn't wound very tight and the wires loose and gets jammed up by looping underself then pulling right. I find the lincoln runs really smooth out a few spools through of the 5356 3/64 I like it it's wound nicer then the alco beads the same both run the same beads. I run a old profax gun too and I use the esab 5356 in it just plain works awsome never an issue beads nice and doesn't give me any hassles as for price point I found the cheap wires are cheap there dirty it liners up and are either wound so tight the spring off the spool like a cork shooting out or there wound so loose the wire gets pulled and dives inside the spools and gets caught up. Hope this helps
Reply:I don't do much aluminum but I have Harris 5356 3/64" feeds fine through a 10' Lincoln gun with non-metallic liner.Also have an orange plastic gizmo that I got from my LWS that adapts small 1 lb rolls to fit on larger machines with 2" spool shaft. Less than $20.JohnLast edited by Silicon-based; 06-29-2014 at 06:30 PM.Reason: Added infoA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:FYI: For anyone within driving distance, I've got about 400 1 lbs 4043 .035 and 3/64" rolls by various USA manufacturers, along with 100 or so of 2 lbs spools of 308 SS mig wire.  Also a lot of 347-15 ss transition type electrodes which work for nuclear but also wherever 309 might apply.  Lots of bulk band saw blade, also 1,100 lbs of 6010 and lots of full sheets of alum diamond plate of various thicknesses.PM if interested.Jerry Attached ImagesLast edited by storeman; 06-29-2014 at 08:00 PM.Reason: clarity30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:That's just to much welding to push in my opinion.  It is hard at best, your machine has to be close all the time with a 12' lead, and it has to be 5356 hardwire. A spool gun will make a world of difference.  It will also let you use softer alloy's like 4043, which I prefer.  Many on this site like 5356, I'm not sure which will be best on your application.
Reply:Alcotec
Reply:Side note, Maxal was started by people that left Alcotec.
Reply:Thanks for the replies.   I think I might try a roll of ESAB 5356 as they have a reputation for making some really good wire,   Weldingsupply has a good price on it.  I want to try running it through a standard gun just cuz many say you cant.  Also several WW members outside of the USA mentioned that its a pretty common thing to do in their area.. I bet a straight or slightly  bent flex neck with a smooth wide curve would make be a big improvement.   If it doesnt work out, I'll have an excuse to buy a XR, Python gun etc..Last edited by soutthpaw; 06-29-2014 at 10:58 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250