DanHibbert
New Member
- Messages
- 2
Hi Guys,
I brought a used Draper Mig 135AT welder a few weeks ago intending to use it on a project welding an aluminium frame work from box section. Whilst I have used a mig for welding steel in the workshop at university this is the first time I have used a mig to weld (or attempted to weld) aluminium.
After reading Tiggy's post for a few pointers ( http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=32416 ) I changed my setup to the following:
Argon gas
Teflon liner
AlSi5 4043 Alloy wire
Wire feed is good with .8mm tip so no oversized tip used.
EDIT: I should probably add I was attempting to weld 1" 10SWG (3.25mm) Alu box section. END EDIT
Unfortunately I have not been able to get a successful spot weld or a single bead on a test piece. I had to reduce the wire speed significantly and turn the welder to max power to even get the result shown in the pic.
As you can see from this terrible mess there is just about enough power to melt to wire but not enough to get any penetration. I am not even sure there is a proper arc as it was not bright enough for me to see clearly through my visor.
If you look over the picture of the welder there are 4 LEDs, 3 red ones for power and a yellow. I am suspecting the welder has had it as because, regardless of the power setting the "med" power LED is always on.
Now I could change the wire to Alu 5356 or borrow some steel wire and test the welder on some scrap steel but, to me it looks like this welder is not giving out enough power and needs a repair or chucking.
All suggestions or recommendations for repair shops in Hampshire/Surry or alternatively near Loughborough, Leicestershire are welcome.
Cheers
Dan
P.S I do have a copy of the Draper manual for this welder which you will struggle to find online. Would it be helpful for me to provide a scanned copy of this for the forums database?
I brought a used Draper Mig 135AT welder a few weeks ago intending to use it on a project welding an aluminium frame work from box section. Whilst I have used a mig for welding steel in the workshop at university this is the first time I have used a mig to weld (or attempted to weld) aluminium.
After reading Tiggy's post for a few pointers ( http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=32416 ) I changed my setup to the following:
Argon gas
Teflon liner
AlSi5 4043 Alloy wire
Wire feed is good with .8mm tip so no oversized tip used.
EDIT: I should probably add I was attempting to weld 1" 10SWG (3.25mm) Alu box section. END EDIT
Unfortunately I have not been able to get a successful spot weld or a single bead on a test piece. I had to reduce the wire speed significantly and turn the welder to max power to even get the result shown in the pic.
As you can see from this terrible mess there is just about enough power to melt to wire but not enough to get any penetration. I am not even sure there is a proper arc as it was not bright enough for me to see clearly through my visor.
If you look over the picture of the welder there are 4 LEDs, 3 red ones for power and a yellow. I am suspecting the welder has had it as because, regardless of the power setting the "med" power LED is always on.
Now I could change the wire to Alu 5356 or borrow some steel wire and test the welder on some scrap steel but, to me it looks like this welder is not giving out enough power and needs a repair or chucking.
All suggestions or recommendations for repair shops in Hampshire/Surry or alternatively near Loughborough, Leicestershire are welcome.
Cheers
Dan
P.S I do have a copy of the Draper manual for this welder which you will struggle to find online. Would it be helpful for me to provide a scanned copy of this for the forums database?