Hi, again! The newb, again, with yet more questions.
I just tried out my new Spoolmate 100 on my Miller 190 (on 230V, as it's not dual-voltage), and had some odd results. I was using a piece of T-6061 3/16" plate as a test piece. I used Xylene as a cleaner (gotta get some acetone), and a new stainless wire brush, and got it spotless. As it was cold in the shop, I used a butane torch to warm the aluminum (not too hot to touch, though).
At the settings suggested for this thickness of aluminum, inside the welder lid (using a brand new roll of the recommended alloy .030" wire), the results were...horrific. I've been MIG welding for about 15 years, and I've NEVER seen anything that ugly!! It alternated between large meltdowns & spattered collections of crusted peaks, craters, and large gaps. Trust me - there's no way I'd post a picture of any of THOSE here!
Eventually, I tried turning the power waaaay down (3.5/ 65- ish), and started to get actual beads. There is lots of spatter, though (which surprised me), and the welding sounded like steel MIG (frying bacon sound, rather than the "hum" I was anticipating). I did get a nice, steady hum at the amperage settings that were making a mess of things.
The wire speed seems really, really slow to me, compared to what I've seen in the videos...I don't think it's adjustable independent of amps, though.
I'm using a 3/4" wire stickout & standoff ("pushing" the bead), and about 15* from vertical for the torch, as that's what I've seen in the Miller videos for this unit.
What they don't mention is gas flow - I have it set at about 35. Too much?
I should mention that my newly-contracted, rusty Argon bottle turns out to be almost empty (I guess they mixed up the tanks), with only about 400 psi in it. I doubt that would cause my issues though, would it?
Anyway, I'm sure there are folks on here who know what I'm doing wrong in my settings, technique, etc., so I'm here for advice from the guys who've already figured this stuff out!
Anyway, here's a pic of my last 3 beads. From left to right, slowing down...an awful lot of spatter, though.
Suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help!!
I just tried out my new Spoolmate 100 on my Miller 190 (on 230V, as it's not dual-voltage), and had some odd results. I was using a piece of T-6061 3/16" plate as a test piece. I used Xylene as a cleaner (gotta get some acetone), and a new stainless wire brush, and got it spotless. As it was cold in the shop, I used a butane torch to warm the aluminum (not too hot to touch, though).
At the settings suggested for this thickness of aluminum, inside the welder lid (using a brand new roll of the recommended alloy .030" wire), the results were...horrific. I've been MIG welding for about 15 years, and I've NEVER seen anything that ugly!! It alternated between large meltdowns & spattered collections of crusted peaks, craters, and large gaps. Trust me - there's no way I'd post a picture of any of THOSE here!
Eventually, I tried turning the power waaaay down (3.5/ 65- ish), and started to get actual beads. There is lots of spatter, though (which surprised me), and the welding sounded like steel MIG (frying bacon sound, rather than the "hum" I was anticipating). I did get a nice, steady hum at the amperage settings that were making a mess of things.
The wire speed seems really, really slow to me, compared to what I've seen in the videos...I don't think it's adjustable independent of amps, though.
I'm using a 3/4" wire stickout & standoff ("pushing" the bead), and about 15* from vertical for the torch, as that's what I've seen in the Miller videos for this unit.
What they don't mention is gas flow - I have it set at about 35. Too much?
I should mention that my newly-contracted, rusty Argon bottle turns out to be almost empty (I guess they mixed up the tanks), with only about 400 psi in it. I doubt that would cause my issues though, would it?
Anyway, I'm sure there are folks on here who know what I'm doing wrong in my settings, technique, etc., so I'm here for advice from the guys who've already figured this stuff out!
Anyway, here's a pic of my last 3 beads. From left to right, slowing down...an awful lot of spatter, though.
Suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help!!
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