mig wire jamming

[danny-101]

hi there people

I have a welder (AGA mig 200) that is specifically set up for aluminium welding. It has the polarity changed, teflon liner using pure argon, the lot.
When i am arcing up the aluminium wire is fusing its self to the outer shroud of the mig torch.

Does anyone know what this could be?

cheers danny

 

[shenion]

Polarity should be the same as for regular MIG.

Did you use a larger tip than the wire. Usually the next size up. The wire expands a lot more than steel so you need a bigger tip.

The wire speed will have to be much higher that you are used to. Also use a longer torch stickout, usually 1/2" to 3/4".

 

[Sparkey]

Uhm, maybe a weird question but...is your tip nice in the center of the shroud? it isn't touching the shroud, i mean...and in what state is the shroud? new one?
hope it helps...brainstorming a bit here!

 

[zardoz]

AGA migs are decent old welders, but from what i can gather mig welding with ally wire is a lot easier with a spool gun if you have one. Please let us know how you get on and take some pics for us if possible. I dont know how competant you are, but Malcom has done a few pages on ally mig welding here.Ally MIG

Good luck.

 

[shenion]

Also, 0.8mm 4043 wire is difficult without a spool gun. 0.9mm is much easier to use as is any 5356 wire.

 

[Jake SS]

Is the nozzle still insulated from brass/tip sections?
Try cleaning it or replace it

Cheers

 

[danny-101]

Polarity should be the same as for regular MIG.

Did you use a larger tip than the wire. Usually the next size up. The wire expands a lot more than steel so you need a bigger tip.

The wire speed will have to be much higher that you are used to. Also use a longer torch stickout, usually 1/2" to 3/4".

hi yes i have used a larger tips with all corect liner and yes have to have wire faster
i think it could be that i am using 0.8 wire as you all say

i will try the spool gun and let you all no

thanks for the advice much appreciated

danny

 

[shenion]

On my Clarke 130 and 0.8mm 4346 wire, the wire speed was near all the way up on the lowest power setting. Some MIG;s may not have the range.