|
|
hey guys .......i wanna try some aluminum and i found a post on here that said ,lincoln website has a good article on aluminum welding......i read it and it says"You will not obtain good results attempting to weld on aluminum with a steel wire electrode. Instead, our recommendation is that compact MIG welders should be limited to .035" diameter 4043 aluminum alloy filler metal. A 5356 aluminum alloy electrode may commonly be recommended by retailers and distributors, since it is a stiffer wire and can be easier to feed. However, with these types of wire feed welders, there is often not enough amperage to achieve a good weld with 5356. Even though 4043 is a softer wire, following the proper steps outlined below will ensure good feedability. Do not use other diameter wires. Specifically, you should avoid 0.030" wire (it is difficult to feed) and 3/64" wire (these compact machines do not typically produce enough current to reliably melt this diameter of wire)."so is 4043 better? and what diam do i use.....in the article it says avoid .030.why......isnt .035 thicker than.030? my steel wire is .030..............i'm confused lolthanks guys
Reply:The article is pretty much bang on. I have a sp175 and it runs 035 4043 real well.I have run 030 4043 but you have to make sure the gun is real straight.Don't waste your time with 5356. Scott.
Reply:thanks scott.......i hve one more question.....if iget .030 4043 i need an .030 teflon liner right and same for .035 i need an .035 liner?
Reply:4043 is the most forgiving alloy and has the least cracking tendancy when used to join other aluminum alloys. Scott is right. Forget the 5356.
Reply:ok great ty guys
Reply:I run both sizes of wire through my regular liner without a problem.Try it first and if all goes well then buy a teflon liner. Good luck. Scott. |
|