Aluminum MIG Welding ???

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I am learning about short circuit, globular and spray transfer in MIG welding.  When MIG welding alumnum with a Lincoln Pro Mig 180 and using a Lincoln spool gun which weld process above are we using?I am familiar with the above mentioned processes in bare wire but am curious if using aluminum changes things
Reply:Spray for aluminum.Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveSpray for aluminum.Dave J.
Reply:That is correct.  You set up to spray when wire feed aluminum Check out the miller website for their weld calculator.  When you enter aluminum and a thickness - you will only get settings for spray.http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...calculator.phpDave J.Last edited by MinnesotaDave; 04-11-2013 at 11:39 PM.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:You can short circuit aluminum, it just doesn't work well. You definitely notice a difference when you get the voltage high enough to go into spray mode.
Reply:The 5356 wire sprays alot better with this machine. I found the4043 ran way too cold for me with this machine. I photocopied the chart for the heat settings out of my instruction manual and stuck it inside my machine. The only times I find a short circut/ cold weld useful is when im working with rotten or thin or contaminated aluminium, where it bubbles out in spray mode from being too hot (among 100 other factors), or hot shortness crack from being to thin. I always grind it out and weld over it with spray.The aluminum mig weld should feel alot softer than the steel you are used to. There is a differnce in color. It requires a lot faster travel speed. I honestly love aluminium. Once you get going and show a few pics we will get you dialed in.Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:sub 1/8" thick you can short circuit but a lot depends on the gun and the power source in how effective that will be...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