Ever feed aluminum wire in an LN-25?

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Has anyone had any luck or experience with feeding aluminum through their LN-25? I am using the Ranger 9 and the LN-25 and wondering if I should even give it a try. I know what other options exist....trust me, I do......The PowerMig 350MP is looking sweeet!Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:JOKER, the ln 25 manual says you can, anyways, lincoln has the drive rolls for it. I have the LN 25 my self, but never tried with aluminum. but the drive rolls are available.mike.
Reply:Yeah, I have the LN25, just wondering if it's worth it to get the drive rolls and the liner for the gun.....Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:i havent tried it, but i have looked into it. in order to get it to work i think ya need a shorter gun along with the drive rolls. like a 10ft, im not sure if a  "push pull" gun can be put on an LN but i bet it would work pretty good. i was checking out one of these at the lws a few weeks ago, but 6 grand isnt cheap lol-NateMiller Trailblazer 302gMiller Spoolmatic 30aLN-25 x 2Idealarc SP200Hypertherm Powermax 600
Reply:IF its the only way you have to weld aluminum then you can get by with it.  However you are probably gonna waste as much wire as you burn simply from the bird nesting at the feed rolls.  I have tried pushing it thru  a 12VS with 15', 12', 10', and finally an 8' gun, and still had the same problems.anytime the wire sputtered it kinked and birdnested at the drive rolls.  In my opinion it's not worth the time to attempt it.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I have done it, but its a pain in the a$$.  It takes a LOT of paitents.   Find a spool gun for best results.They do make a drive roll with an A on it for aluminum and I hve it for .045.  Repeat, a spool gun or push pull is the only way to fly.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:as others state, spoolgun is best for aluminumunderstanding the cause of bird caging at wire feeder can help if you choose to try your current gun. the cause is the aluminum wire heats and expands at the tip, sticking, causing the bird cage. to help minimize the sticking due to expansion is simple, use a larger tip size. for .045 i use my wypo o/a tip cleaner to increase the tip id.you can test performance using your current liner and feed roller, just clean them a bit first to minimize contaminates. test welds on scrap should have no concern for contaminates,  a second gun for aluminum to ensure a clean switch between process media is most desirable.scarce aluminum projects here so a spoolgun is not justified, been thru over 30lbs of aluminum wire. surface preparation is very important, preheat is also helpful.
Reply:Yeah....I am looking at that PowerMig 350MP with the cobra push/pull gun. Cheapest find so far is $5,100.0 bucks online. I am going to call my LWS in the morning. He owes me one and a lunch. See what he can do for me. Maybe the economy can work in my favor for once.By the way....I have a spoolgun. I was just looking at what I had and wondered what I really wanted to do. I can't get the pulse on pulse with an LN-25 or a spoolgun. I think I really want a dedicated aluminum machine.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Don't know what all the hoo-haw and negativity is about...While I prefer to use GTAW, I have on many occasions ran Aluminum through an LN-25 with a 10' gun (and teflon liner) and it works every bit as good as a spool gun. Ran it off of an Invertec V-250 Pro, a Ranger 8 and a Ranger 250.If you want to make it pretty - use GTAW.If you want to make time - use the LN-25.Later,Jason
Reply:I just may look into the 10ft gun and teflon liner. I am using the Ranger 9 as a power source. If I can get it to work I may save a bundle.BlackWolf,What size wire have you run through it successfully?Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:I don't think you're going to be happy trying to mig aluminum with a push gun and a volt-sense feeder.   Doesn't Lincoln make a spoolgun that connects to the Ranger with the remote control plug?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:DesertRider33 with the ranger 9 and a LN-25 its not a voltage sensing feeder, its just a feeder that puts out the wire at the speed you dial it to.  .  Ranger 9 has CV out put.The voltage sensing part only works or is needed when using the LN-25 on CC (which is no fun).Lincoln does make a nice little red box that will connect the ranger 9 to a magnum spool gun.  I have the silly little box.  It was only $600.00 PLUS another $269.00 for the stinkin cable that connects the box to the ranger 9 or any other lincoln machine with a 14 pin connector.  (my V350 or Ranger 250)That combination works great.  The spool gun will even do pulse on pulse with the V350.MY problems with the LN-25 and Loominum.  Wire is hard to push.  To quote my dad " have you ever tired to push a rope?"  MY LN-25 has no contactor OR cable to connect to the power supply so the gun is hot all the time.  This makes starts difficult at high amps..The wire tends to stick to the tip in the gun (next is a birdsnest) and makes it really easy to burn back the wire into the tip (another birdsnest).  Done it many times.  Its NOT IMPOSSIBLE, but for me its not worth it.The bigger the wire like 5/64 and 5356 make it easier along with a teflon liner.  Pulsed spray doesn't work with the LN-25 for the reasons above.  I have tried it even with plain carbon steel.  It works, but the wire sticks in the contact tip on startup and can burn back into the tip when done.  Both because I have no contactor or cable to connect the LN-25 to the power supply.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:David,My LN-25 has the internal contactor so you get a hot tip only when you pull the trigger, pulling the trigger also opens the gas solonoid. I can't imagine anyone wanting to use CC on the LN25 and a Ranger 9 when you have CV all day long. But I need to use the voltage sense wire for my Ranger 9 to come off of idle and up to speed.Anyways, I just spoke with my LWS and he is making me a smoking deal on the PowerMig 350MP ReadyPak with the Python pushpull gun. I am not going to say who or where until I buy it. I don't want anyone snagging it or killing the deal for me before I get it. I told him it would have to be this weekend before I can pick it up.I will give all the dirty details when I get it. sorry.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:David, my Bobcat has CV output, but no contactor or 14-pin remote, so to CV mig weld with a feeder, the feeder has to be a volt-sensing one.   I wasn't inferring that anyone would be migging in CC from a Ranger, as I am aware they do have CV output.  How is your LN25 not operating in volt-sense mode if there is no 14-pin remote cable connecting it to the Ranger??   Sounds to me like it's CV volt-sensing....  ?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Joker, that machine with the Python push-pull gun will sure fix you right up.  Push-pull with pulse truely is the cat's meow for migging aluminum.  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:DesertRider33,The LN-25 is just a feeder.  It needs the additional wire (the little clip) to power the insides of the machine when running on CV.  Its a voltage sensing feeder only when in the CC mode.  In CC mode, the feeder TRIES to keep the voltage constant (CV) by using the extra wire to read the welding voltage, then it controls wire feed speed to keep the voltage constant instead of the current.  This is a poor way at best.SO in CV mode, its just a wire feeder like an LN-7 that runs off 110 volt power from the wall.  Instead it steals some of the welding power to run the drive motor.In CC mode, its a voltage sensing feeder.I was not inferring to run in CC mode from a ranger either.Good luck with the new machine Joker11, yer gonna love it.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Ok, so you're saying there is a difference between 'voltage-sensing' and 'powered-accross-the-arc'  ?   I thought it was all the same.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33Ok, so you're saying there is a difference between 'voltage-sensing' and 'powered-accross-the-arc'  ?   I thought it was all the same.
Reply:Joker11,             I just got a tig mod. for my 250 gxt from a guy that used it twice for Alum. but bought 2 ln's to replace it ,and loves them.Also, I own the 350......YOU"LL LOVE IT!......If you are going to do alot of Alum. get the push/pull gun......if you are going to do some Alum. go with the spool gun. The 350 comes with two hook ups, one for spool gun and one for regular gun. It's a pain to be changing from normal gun to pull gun for small jobs.(don't want steel chips in liner of pull gun when doing Alum. There no cheap to replace.) it has auto switching of gas cylinder with pull of trigger.so you can have two tanks hooker up and run steel normal gun, set it down pick up the spool gun pull the trigger and run with it if you like.Both spool gun and pull gun have control for wire feed speed, so all you do is set 350 to the mode ,you set the fps. (ipm), and the thing automaticly sets amps for you....It's great. Any way just my 2 cents.Lincoln Percision tig 225 (Water cooled)Lincoln 350MP Power mig (with spool gun )Lincoln GXT 250 With Tig  ModuleLincoln Ln-25 Pro Dual PowerCentury 50 plasma cutter.now Lincoln .
Reply:Big red one....He is using his LN-25 for aluminum? Really? Get his butt on here so he can tell me all about it!Seriously!Thanks for the input. My accountant isn't sold on this purchase yet. I am working on it. If only I worked in the purchasing department I would have it already. I guess that's what happens when you are the labor and not in management.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Hey Joker,I've been sitting back watching the responses for a little bit to see what everyone had to say.I was running 5356, and either .030" or .035" Aluminum wire.  5356 is a little stiffer so it is the better option to "push" through the gun on this setup.It was about 3yrs ago that I was using the LN-25.  It came in handy for overhead, and out of sight welds when building toolboxes and walking decks.  Not my choice for "Trademark Welds" - For that, preference is given to GTAW or GMAW-P, but when I needed to make time, the LN-25 did it's job to help me meet the deadlines.Depending on the application (for aesthetic reasons) I would go with the LN-25 again in a heartbeat as a lower cost alternative to get the job done, and get the cash in the bank.I guess that given more time, I would have fiddled with the setting a little more to fine tune the weld bead appearance.... But it worked just fine as-is.I also have a PowerMig 350MP, and a spool gun for it - just never used it yet.....DCEN GTAW is used almost daily.I have used the 30A spoolgun off of the Millers, and friggin' HATE it, but to each their own.In any event, Have a Good Night.Last edited by Black Wolf; 03-10-2009 at 10:50 PM.Later,Jason
Reply:Black Wolf,That's actually good info to have. I figured it would have to be a thicker wire to even try. My god brother, why have you not tried the spool gun at all yet? Turn on the pulse on pulse and rock and roll!!Anyway.....I will find out tomorrow if I get it for sure. I hope.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Just got approval from Management. I may be picking the unit up on Friday or Saturday. This will be the ReadyPak, so it includes both the regular gun AND the Python Plus 2ft push/pull gun and the aluminum drive roll kit.One question, I only see the 3/64s drive roll kit listed. Is this unit limited to using 3/64's wire? Or am I missing something here? I am going to start a separate thread for this question in hopes of better exposure to get an answer. But answer here if you are already sucked into this thread. heheeLincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Nevermind,I found it buried deep in the details. You can also get .035 and it is Part# KP1695-035AThe 3/64's drive roll kit is Part# KP1695-3/64AThe 3/64's comes with the Push/Pull package.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:The Python can feed any wire .030 to 1/16 with the same size liner and gun drive rolls.   The feeder will need different drive rolls for each wire size/type.   If you're using steel wire in the Python, change out the teflon liner for a coiled steel one so you don't wear out your teflon liner.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith opDesert Rider, That would be silly....the unit comes with two guns. Why would anyone run anything other than aluminum in the Python Plus gun?While the Python may run multiple wire sizes, the Power Mig 350 only lists two sizes of drive rolls, the ones I listed. They don't specify using ONLY those size wires or multiple wire sizes. So I am still in the dark on that one.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33If you're using steel wire in the Python, change out the teflon liner for a coiled steel one so you don't wear out your teflon liner.
Reply:If you need a 25' long torch to get to the work, you can run whatever kind of wire you need to in the Python.  You don't HAVE to run steel wire in it, you just CAN.  DONT, if you DONT want to.  Sorry I ever said anything.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:DesertRider,Dude, you had to have taken my response the wrong way. I didn't mean for you to be offended. And I am just assuming you are offended because you said "sorry I ever said anything."It's cool bro. I wasn't trying to be a tool. I am buying the unit (powermig 350mp) for the aluminum capabilities. I can always use my LN-25 for steel. Plus, even with a 10ft gun, with the LN-25 you can just extend your welding leads between the power source and the wire feeder instead of buying a longer gun. I think it's probably cheaper that way. Anyways, my point is, don't be butthurt. I am glad you replied. I am glad you even took the time to read my post. That's cool.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:We have a Miller 350p at work it has a 25' push pull setup for aluminum and a regular old 15' gun for steel. It is the balls for production welding, the Lincoln is a click up because you can stick/TIG off of it.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:There have been times when I did not want to weld something just because it meant firing up the ranger 9 to do it. Now I can just roll the PowerMig out, maybe whip some stick, maybe mig some magic, maybe even tig some tacks. If ONLY it could do AC tig.....then it would be the Bee's Knees!!!I will have to use my Ranger 9 and HiFreq Tig module for aluminum tigging. My buddy has the Precision Tig 275 and never uses it. I have tried and tried to buy it from him. I am the only person that uses it. Too bad he lives in Phoenix and I live in Yuma or I would use it a lot more.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Hey Joker,You WILL like the 350MP.I did some "Upgrades" on the one I have at work....Shell Ryn cable reels w/ 200' of #2/0 cable.Tweco Compact Gold Eliminator GMAW/FCAW gun.Lincoln PTA26FV Torch and independant Positive (+) ground.I use it daily for GMAW, SMAW, CAC-A, and GTAW DCEN.Yes.... I Air Arc off of it - and through over 200' of cable... I just stay at 250 amps of below.The ONLY shop welder I have ever used that I liked more than this one is an Invertec V-350 Pro.Just some ideas for ya.I added another J-hook on the side opposite the Tig Torch, and that is where the Tweco Gun, and the SMAW whip call home.  After these pics, the frame was blasted and Powder Coated in "Company Colors" as well, but I am ashamed to show those pics 'cause the frame is just about Miller Blue.DISGUSTING! (Shut Up Don - I can HEAR you laughing at me)Comments are always welcome. Attached ImagesLast edited by Black Wolf; 03-12-2009 at 10:09 PM.Later,Jason
Reply:Black Wolf-  Wow, sweet job on the cart!  I love the tandem axle setup!Joker-  No offense taken anymore, its cool.  You got a good machine there, I'm sure you'll love it.  By the way, I spent alota years in AZ, great place, love to be back there now.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Black wolf, WHAT THE HELL??? Not only do you have a power mig sitting on a tandem axle, but you have a secondary right next to it??? Must be nice, my man!Over here in Lonesome Town, I have to buy all my own gear. I work for a company right now, but if I could make it on my own I would be in Dream Town. It's not a lost cause yet. Anyways, hey, I am on my bottle of Jack Daniels and feeling it pretty good right now. So excuse my typing skills. hehehDesert Rider, thanks for the reply. I am glad we are cool now. So I took the day off of work tomorrow. I am driving into Phoenix to pick up my new rig. I will take my camera and post up some pics tomorrow. I am so excited to get this machine. I know it's a small unit for most fab shops, but for a guy trying to venture out on his own again, it's a big purchase. It's a three hour drive there and another three back. But for the price, it's WAY worth it. I will give the details tomorrow. Thanks for reading my post.JokerLincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Like the cart!  I've got a pm255 that I need to build something similar for as we use it outside a good bit.  I bet that setup would have no trouble rolling on dirt or grass.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:joker11 sorry for the long time between posts , found out the wife is having twins....was to busy packing so i can run...lol, anyway I'll send you his e-mail address if he doesn't mind. Red.Lincoln Percision tig 225 (Water cooled)Lincoln 350MP Power mig (with spool gun )Lincoln GXT 250 With Tig  ModuleLincoln Ln-25 Pro Dual PowerCentury 50 plasma cutter.now Lincoln .
Reply:Big Red One,Way to go bro! You hit a double! Be sure and post up when you get back from the hospital!!Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:will do, should be aug/sep is what their telling us.Lincoln Percision tig 225 (Water cooled)Lincoln 350MP Power mig (with spool gun )Lincoln GXT 250 With Tig  ModuleLincoln Ln-25 Pro Dual PowerCentury 50 plasma cutter.now Lincoln .
Reply:I so do not envy you though. Double diaper duty!!!yea!Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by Joker11I so do not envy you though. Double diaper duty!!!yea!
Reply:Black Wolf , Joker11..... thanks to you both, Yes duble hugs kisses and all sound good, but allso twice as much worring about this that and the other. I do agree It will be fun, And as far as the diaper thing........well To my loveing wifes credit I have only had to change our 3 year olds maybe 20/30 time's. Wets are no problem........(can skin clean anything hunting trapping, but there's something about baby poo I cant deal with).......also I get better odds that one of them will also be into the outdoors lol . What ever they are (boy/girl , hunters or not they will be loved , protected and provided for at all costs.)  RED.Lincoln Percision tig 225 (Water cooled)Lincoln 350MP Power mig (with spool gun )Lincoln GXT 250 With Tig  ModuleLincoln Ln-25 Pro Dual PowerCentury 50 plasma cutter.now Lincoln .
Reply:Congratulations! (x2)!!Double the expense, double the joy, half the sleep...   You're going to love it.  'my' 2 are almost 14 now.  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op