pulse aluminum mig!

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can someone please explain on setting up your machine for a 1/8 lap joint/ i was messing around with it yesterday and i see no difference in the bead appearence, compared to normal mig mode.also what is the best welding technique with pulse? i always tend to run a slight back whip myself.
Reply:Steve28,what pulse settings to you have to play with on your machine?The basic pulsed MIG is intended to provide a uniform/regular transfer of droplets from the wire to the pool.  In theory, you're trying to get something like 1 to 3 droplets per pulse, and avoid large globules and short circuits which produce spatter.  The pulsing is supposed to allow a spray like transfer at lower average currents than straight constant power welding., thus allowing "spray" in positions other than just flat.As I understand it, the peak current, background current, percent peak time, and pulse frequency affect things like the droplet size, and number of droplets per pulse.  With steel pulsed MIG, not sure about aluminum, the pulse settings affect the concentration of the arc.  Lower frequencies give a broad soft arc, while higher pulsation gives a narrow digging arc.I've read about, but not seen, the "pulse on pulse" process.  These power supplies provide the standard high frequency pulse to get the droplets, and then on top of this, you can set a low frequency pulsing to produce the "stack of dimes" type appearance of pulsed TIG.  I assume your "slight back whip" is intended to produce this look, or maybe you're needing to control burn though so you momentarily back off the joint?
Reply:the only setting the machine has is arc length and sharp arc.generally does pulse require more or less wire speed?is there any good articles on pulse welding I have looked with no luck.I use the back whip for looks but also for build up!Last edited by steve28; 01-26-2007 at 08:08 PM.
Reply:here is the setting off the door of the machine ( I know these setting are usally way off, but i gotta start somewhere).arc length - 50sharp arc - 25wire speed - 290These setting are for 1/8 but it does not give joint design.i need to start practicing work wants me to start repairing fuel cells on our Mack trasports. This sound pretty far from a gravy job!
Reply:Ok I have a Lincoln 350MPwith a Python gun,  I have a pulse on pulse mode for aluminum and what the Lincoln rep told me was that the pulse setting would allow deeper pen with less voltage. What I found was I could turn the pulse way down and get a Tig like bead with a fast travel speed. This also allowed full penitration.  This is 16 gauge welded to 1/8 6061 with 035 4043 wire."If you live in Sacramento you have seen my work."
Reply:Originally Posted by steve28here is the setting off the door of the machine ( I know these setting are usally way off, but i gotta start somewhere).arc length - 50sharp arc - 25wire speed - 290These setting are for 1/8 but it does not give joint design.i need to start practicing work wants me to start repairing fuel cells on our Mack trasports. This sound pretty far from a gravy job!