30A and WC-115 combo

[Rob]

Anybody using a 30A spoolgun with the WC-115 controller on a CC power source? Looks to be the most direct solution for an upcoming project, but would really appreciate feedback on whether it would actually work and how well. Will be using it on 16ga to .125 alunimum (using 5356 wire?) and an occasional spool of er70s-6 on mild steel. Possibility of some stainless, but not likely.

All advise appreciated!

Rob

[Wheels]

Rob

I have a Miller Regency200 wita a WC-24 controller for the 30a . It does a great job on aluminum. Never had a complaint since I first plugged it in!

Mike

[ASKANDY]

Rob,
What CC power source are you using it on and also, do you need the 5356 wire?? 4043 works better for most MIG Alum applications and doesn't give you a lot of black soot around the weld area.

The reason I ask is that with the material you specified, using a CC power source will be about impossible to get down to the thinner material. You could get by on the .125"
CC power sources have a small window of operation that makes it hard to fine tune it for the small stuff. Basically the WC controller is trying to "fool" the Spool 30 that the welder is a CV machine. Is does this by varying the drive motor speed to keep the wire from stubbing out.

A-

[Rob]

Thanks guys, that's exactly the help I needed. I could tell from individual product spec sheets that the combination would work, but needed to hear someone's advice on whether it would work well. Sounds like suitable for varying applications.

My 330 A/BP would be the power source. Yep it's old, but has been as reliable as an anvil for me. My experience is with TIG and stick, so the whole wire-feed thing is new to me. Will be building some aluminum cabinets in an enclosed trailer, and knew I'd be too slow doing it all with TIG. Maybe I just need to take the leap for a MM 251.

My 5356 wire question is another holdover from use with TIG on 6061, but the cabinets would all be 3003. From your suggestion, sounds like I'd be better off with 4043 wire if I MIG the cabinets, and it's not like I need the added corrosion resistance on this project.

Andy, if you see another option please let me know. Thanks again for the advice.

Rob

[Rob]

Just ran across info on the Millermatic Pulser, which seems to be tailored toward thin aluminum, but would still lean toward the MM251 and 30A if it is suitable for Al sheet down to .063". The 251/30A would seem to give me much more flexibility on the upper end for just about the same money as the Pulser.

Am I headed in a more rational direction now?

Thanks again for guidance.

Rob

[ASKANDY]

Rob,

I have the pulser and like it for the low end stuff. Got a great deal on it as it needed some repairs and paid for it with an Alum vent hood job I did. But for you, the MM251/spoolgun would be fine. The .063 sheet is on the low end and really needs some small wire and you have to move fairly fast to not burn through. It may be hard to get the "look" you want with that thin of material. Use the 4043 wire for most work. It will weld a bunch better than the 5356 on MIG. Unless you need the higher strength of the 5356. The 5356 will be a darker, not as pretty weld because of the Mag content.

Andy

[Rob]

Andy,

Thanks, now I feel like I know enough to go see my dealer and order the right machine.

Rob