Mig Welding Aluminum with Spoolmate 100 on Auto 140

[SBray]

Hello folks,

I haven't posted on this forum in quite awhile. I've now got time to resume welding, and cleaned up my work shop/garage. I have a Autoset 140, and a 211. Since the 211 is pretty versatile, I decided to setup my Spoolmate 100 on the 140. I had no idea just how demanding welding aluminum with a Spoolmate can be. I'm nearly convinced it was easier to weld aluminum on the Diversion 165 I had.

Anyway, perhaps some of you might give me some suggestions as to what I'm not doing correctly. I have the cables set for DCEP (Electrode Positive). It seems that this machine and gun is somewhat limited to 14, 16, and 18 gauges. I am using .030 4043ER wire. The results have been a lot of splattering, dripping, and black soot. I gave up using the autoset mode, and went with wire speed 100, and the thickness just above 14 gauge. I'm welding on aluminum that is between 14 and 16 gauge. Anyway, I have brushed the metal clean, and held the gun with only a small angle, and pushed the weld. The most recent attempts have not had any of the splattering, or black soot. It appears that I am making some headway. Unfortunately, the welds now look like a flat puddle?

I'm wondering if I can use the Spoolmate 100 on the 211, and perhaps increase the wire to .035 to increase the range of metal I can weld.

Thanks,
Steve

[H80N]

Hello folks,


I'm wondering if I can use the Spoolmate 100 on the 211, and perhaps increase the wire to .035 to increase the range of metal I can weld.

Thanks,
Steve

Looks like the Spoolmate 100 is a direct connect to the MM211

Here is the connect chart..

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...gun-chart.html

[SBray]

Looks like the Spoolmate 100 is a direct connect to the MM211

Here is the connect chart..

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...gun-chart.html

Thanks!

Maybe using .035 wire with the 211 will give better results.

I read somewhere that one of the members here knows how to alter the tip in some way to help with Spoolmate problems.

Steve

[aametalmaster]

Thanks!

Maybe using .035 wire with the 211 will give better results.

I read somewhere that one of the members here knows how to alter the tip in some way to help with Spoolmate problems.

Steve

I am that guy who reworks the spool gun barrels for the bigger thread tips used in the mig guns. Got a buddy with a lathe the how to pics are here. http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...php?albumid=48 The pics are for a 3035 spool gun as the barrel design has changed for the 100 but the info is still the same...Bob

[SBray]

Barrel Modification

I am that guy who reworks the spool gun barrels for the bigger thread tips used in the mig guns. Got a buddy with a lathe the how to pics are here. http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...php?albumid=48 The pics are for a 3035 spool gun as the barrel design has changed for the 100 but the info is still the same...Bob

Thanks Bob! I got your email this morning. I'll send the barrel. I appreciate your assistance!

Steve

[Cgotto6]

I think you will have much better results with the modified barrel and powering it through the 211. Aluminum requires more power to weld due to its ability to absorb and disburse heat. I have never tried it myself, but many people on here are running 4943 for the filler with better results than 4043, might be worth a try.

You don't mention what gas you are running, is it pure argon?

[SBray]

I think you will have much better results with the modified barrel and powering it through the 211. Aluminum requires more power to weld due to its ability to absorb and disburse heat. I have never tried it myself, but many people on here are running 4943 for the filler with better results than 4043, might be worth a try.

You don't mention what gas you are running, is it pure argon?

Yes, I think, in general, the 211 will give better results with the modified barrel.

I have been using Argon gas.

Thanks,
Steve

[SBray]

Wire Feed Spring Inside Head Tube Assembly

I was hoping someone could advise me how the Wire Feed Spring, of the Liner Kit (Part # 32) in the Head Tube Assembly (Part # 31) is removed. I didn't want to just pull it out without checking to see if it is attached somehow to the steel tube on the other end of the Head Tube Assembly inside the Barrel (Part # 33).

Thanks,
Steve

[Broccoli1]

AUTO SET IS FOR STEEL ONLY AND C25 GAS

…. in the manual.

[SBray]

AUTO SET IS FOR STEEL ONLY AND C25 GAS

…. in the manual.

Ed,

I've only seen mention of the parts in the manual, not a description of exactly how the Spring Wire Liner is removed from the Head Tube Assembly. Perhaps you could be so helpful to make specific reference to the exact location, by page, describing the removal process.

I don't want to assume that the Spring Wire Liner can just be pulled out.

Thanks,
Steve

[aametalmaster]

Ed,



I don't want to assume that the Spring Wire Liner can just be pulled out.

Thanks,
Steve

Yup unscrew the tip and the liner just pulls out. Or leave it in and i will take it out...Bob

[SBray]

Thanks Bob!

It's enroute.

Steve

[Broccoli1]

Ed,

I've only seen mention of the parts in the manual, not a description of exactly how the Spring Wire Liner is removed from the Head Tube Assembly. Perhaps you could be so helpful to make specific reference to the exact location, by page, describing the removal process.

I don't want to assume that the Spring Wire Liner can just be pulled out.

Thanks,
Steve

I was referring to the Autoset feature on the MM211: it is only for Mild steel and c25 gas.

It is not for AL welding.

[SBray]

I was referring to the Autoset feature on the MM211: it is only for Mild steel and c25 gas.

It is not for AL welding.

Thanks Ed, I'll make a note! I appreciate this info.

Steve

[Broccoli1]

Thanks Ed, I'll make a note! I appreciate this info.

Steve

AL is a learning curve with MIG- more so on the thin stock 14g & 16g.

16g is really the limit for the MM211.

Slight changes in Tip to Work distance can really make a big difference: either good or bad and with AL, bad is really bad No forgiveness like Mild steel allows.

You can't back off the heat like ya can with your Tig.