Settings for Aluminium welding

admin

The welder in question is a Lincoln 180c with the spoolgun attachment. I have a bottle of 100% Argon and am running it at about 12-15 LPM. The recommended welder settings for 14g stock (power setting = G and wire speed = 7 for those who know the machine) for .08mm wire. With the recommended settings I cannot get a decent finish and am just blowing holes but if I dull the settings down (power = F wire speed = 3.5) I can get a good result but its inconsistent from time to time, Also on this setting I cannot weld internal angles?Any help or pointers would be appreciated, feel like I’m chasing my tail with the settings.
Reply:I just got the same set up...keep practicing.I noticed that when I move too slow it melts a hole quick.I mostly used the settings on the lid but tried adjusting some.These were my first tryBy iamvince
Reply:http://millerwelds.com/resources/imp...ur-skills/mig/first video... welding aluminum... very good video and your welds will look, no, BE great if you follow ithttp://www.aloumac.ca/
Reply:you want a straight weld, achieving a "spray arc transfer" (sounds like hissing)... don't do large weaves. point the gun at a 15 degree push angle, allowing argon to flow in front of the puddle.matthttp://www.aloumac.ca/
Reply:To do Alum with a spoolgun on small machines you need to have the heat way up and the wire speed way up also. You need to move much faster than you do welding steel also. If you go too slow you will melt through.As said you will be running in spray so the sound will be more of a hiss than the sound you are familiar with.Cleaning the weld area with a SS brush helps also. The alum oxide melts at a much higher temp than bare alum.Good luck and keep practicing.
Reply:I have the same set up.  I posted some photos in a thread called Aluminum Hinges.  I did a large Al job of 1/8".  I found that it sprays on near max voltage and around 3 or 4 wire speed for the 1/8 material.  I haven't welded any 14g.My corners beads look good.  I can't get good butt welds however.I did discover that you should inspect your roller.  Mine had some minute imperfections on the groove.  I noticed symptoms of a lot of Al shavings and intermittent feed.  I corrected it by gently running a file around the groove.  It improved performance greatly.  Keep us posted on your results.
Reply:I have had to use a good bit higher feed rate than 3.5 for aluminum. I run more like 6 for speed. And, as stated, push it, and go smooth and straight.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Originally Posted by Matthewhttp://millerwelds.com/resources/imp...ur-skills/mig/first video... welding aluminum... very good video and your welds will look, no, BE great if you follow it
Reply:Thanks for all your replys....and the video link. It has all helped alot.Starting my first project today will keep you all posted on the result.Also another question joining 2 gauges 14g to 3/16 what is the best option for settings? thanks again!