Pulse Machines

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I have a couple of aluminum projects I need to start. Will use 6061 and 6063 tube and rect, .125 to .250 wall. I have a 250 mig machine and my common sense tells me to press ahead with a middle of the road spool gun and get on with it. I have a small TIG for thinner material.My question is: Considering my material application, have you pro's realized a significant benefit with pulse. My question is more focused on maintaining the intergrity of the T6. My instincts tell me as long as proper spool gun procedures/techniques are followed, all should be ok. Your opinions appreciated. Thanks
Reply:It can be done with or without pulse.  I prefer to use the pulse, which is why I bought the 350P.   The 350P aluminum pulse program also has hot start and run in speed adjustments, which help with the cold start inherent to mig welding aluminum.  The spool gun can do the job.  I much prefer a gooseneck push-pull gun (aka Python) due to better ergonomics for doing alot of welding with it.   We had both goosenecks and a pistol grip gun, all push-pull, at my old production welding job.  Nobody liked welding all day with the pistol grip gun, it wears you out alot sooner than the goosenecks.   It wears you out even more with a spool of wire on it.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33It can be done with or without pulse.  I prefer to use the pulse, which is why I bought the 350P.   The 350P aluminum pulse program also has hot start and run in speed adjustments, which help with the cold start inherent to mig welding aluminum.  The spool gun can do the job.  I much prefer a gooseneck push-pull gun (aka Python) due to better ergonomics for doing alot of welding with it.   We had both goosenecks and a pistol grip gun, all push-pull, at my old production welding job.  Nobody liked welding all day with the pistol grip gun, it wears you out alot sooner than the goosenecks.   It wears you out even more with a spool of wire on it.
Reply:Any equipment upgrade you make that you can justify the cost of is generally a good idea.  For just personal use, it's hard to justify a big expenditure such as a push-pull pulse mig.   Since it appears you already have ac tig, you may want to just use that instead of laying out alot of $$ on specialty aluminum mig equipment, since production speed is probly not an issue for you and very nice looking good quality welds can be made in aluminum with tig if you have the time to put into it.   We used mig in our shop cause we needed the production speed.   Most aluminum jobs I weld for customers I do with tig, except for an occasional production run where I can save time with mig, since I have it.You didn't say what kind of mig machine you have, but the Python (as well as other models of push-pull torches, such as Cobra and Alumapro) with the Miller connector end is a direct-connect to the Millermatic 252, 350 and 350P (and XR Control feeder too) and can be connected to the 251 with a controller box.  I'm not sure about the 210 or 212 or other Millermatic models.   Pythons are also available with Lincoln connectors and may be direct-connect to Lincoln machines, but I'm not familiar enough with Lincoln migs to say which ones, if any, aside from the Powermig 350MP.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thank You again.I have a Lincoln 185 TIG machine and a Lincoln Power MIG 255.  The 185 was used and works well for light sheet goods.  I have welded heavier pieces (aluminum wheel repair) and some small .250 with preheat. The power MIG 255 was purchased when I decided to build a 14ft enclosed trailer, 18ft flatbed  and a spiral staircase/handrails. It was new and I  got it for $1700 cash out-the-door and could not turn it down.  I keep my Miller 185 for smaller light duty stuff gun ready with .024. Over the years I have been an AC Buzz Box guy, prior to retirement I took several welding courses at a local tech college and the projects keep coming..My aluminum trailer design calls for allot of .125 2x4 aluminum tube for the tongue and the frame.  There will also be some .250 plate along the tongue for renforcement, plus allot of other welding as you can imagine. Thats why I was considering a spool gun and pulse. I get various comments that pulse will maintain the integrity of the T-6 and will practically eliminate any annealing.  I do not have the experience to confirm this position, but respect the opinions of seasoned welders.  Casual conversation with a long term welder at a Church I visited resulted in a similar position as yours...spool gun will work fine.  If there are no real technical issues, I guess it boils down to cash flow and expected use in the future.  My little garage repair business is growing, but I can assure there are no aspirations for a production shop.  Your comments are valued.  God Bless
Reply:Your tig will weld what you're intending to weld.  You'll be doing multiple passes on the 1/4-inch plate but it should have no problem with the 1/8" tube.You may be able to direct-connect a Lincoln spool gun or push-pull gun to your Powermig 255C, not sure.  David R probly knows about that, he's all red.  I'm blue, so kinda lost on the Lincoln stuff.Thanks for the kind words.  God bless your family and your projects too!MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:If you could find a Binzel/ Hobart-Thermal/ Tweco Eliminator Torque assist pull gun, it would hook right up to your Lincoln. That is if the gun has the Tweco 2/4 backend. I use a eliminator 15 ft (Key length for best feeding) on my New C-300 Lincoln.  I do have a older Thermal pull gun for sale Mint). Feeds wire as well as a python but a bit stiffer cable. I had a python on my PM-300 and the MK-prince push pull 25 ft. The Hobart uses the CK style half cut away style tips. Got extra of those. The Control box hooks up to 120 volt power and pulls in  the gun contractor of the Lincoln or whatever machine. Ran it on my Esab 250 and 260 to test out. You will would need the Lincoln aluminum drive roll kit for your machine and they run about $90.00 It feeds .030 to 3/64 wire. Probably would not mess with .030 aluminum and would stick with 3/64 size. The .035 would help a bit on 1/8 inch aluminum but at $90.00 drive roll cost, I would start with 3/64. You will do fine without pulse, if you move fast and practice. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33Your tig will weld what you're intending to weld.  You'll be doing multiple passes on the 1/4-inch plate but it should have no problem with the 1/8" tube.You may be able to direct-connect a Lincoln spool gun or push-pull gun to your Powermig 255C, not sure.  David R probly knows about that, he's all red.  I'm blue, so kinda lost on the Lincoln stuff.Thanks for the kind words.  God bless your family and your projects too!
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XIf you could find a Binzel/ Hobart-Thermal/ Tweco Eliminator Torque assist pull gun, it would hook right up to your Lincoln. That is if the gun has the Tweco 2/4 backend. I use a eliminator 15 ft (Key length for best feeding) on my New C-300 Lincoln.  I do have a older Thermal pull gun for sale Mint). Feeds wire as well as a python but a bit stiffer cable. I had a python on my PM-300 and the MK-prince push pull 25 ft. The Hobart uses the CK style half cut away style tips. Got extra of those. The Control box hooks up to 120 volt power and pulls in  the gun contractor of the Lincoln or whatever machine. Ran it on my Esab 250 and 260 to test out. You will would need the Lincoln aluminum drive roll kit for your machine and they run about $90.00 It feeds .030 to 3/64 wire. Probably would not mess with .030 aluminum and would stick with 3/64 size. The .035 would help a bit on 1/8 inch aluminum but at $90.00 drive roll cost, I would start with 3/64. You will do fine without pulse, if you move fast and practice.