Thread: Chinese MIG Spool Gun Problems

I know this might seem simple, but from the photo it looks just like the problem I had when I mistakenly set my machine to DC instead of AC

Originally Posted by China

I know this might seem simple, but from the photo it looks just like the problem I had when I mistakenly set my machine to DC instead of AC

hey China, the converter can only run on DC i think AC would blow the transformer


come to think of my problem today when i was testing the mig spool gun (i actually never thought of this earlier) the wire must have been catching on the tip from the wire expanding i kept getting like a pulsating effect every second or two if i took my finger off the trigger than back on it would work again and than it would keep doing the pulsating
when i went to the shop to buy the mig aluminium wire the lady gave me a .9mm and 1mm tip i think im using the .9mm tip now as i melted the 1mm tip

i may give the spool gun one more try with a 1mm and 1.2mm tip tomorrow

EDIT: i just removed and checked the tip its 1.2mm so i would need a 1.4mm tip for .9mm wire is this heard of?

I would think 1.2 tip should be plenty big enough for 0.9, bit is a concern if it's jamming somewhere.

I would be very surprised if you could have any success with welding ally with a cheaper small mig of any type. Just the drive rollers would not normally be up to the task.

Cheap and aluminium do not go together.
A 250 amp inverter machine with u rollers, Teflon liner, and can handle 1.2mm wire would be the best starting point. Price wise, you would be looking around the $2000 mark.

Originally Posted by cwcarter

Cheap and aluminium do not go together.
A 250 amp inverter machine with u rollers, Teflon liner, and can handle 1.2mm wire would be the best starting point. Price wise, you would be looking around the $2000 mark.

Exactly!!! Although, I would be quite happy with a transformer type machine for a bit less money. I would recommend against unknown ebay machines that you cannot physically handle and try - too easy to get burnt.
I know that you are on a tight budget Gazza, but going cheap hasn't exactly been a success for you so far.
As I understand it from your previous thread, you want to go mig now because you were having difficulties tig welding Ally. Dare I say that you would perhaps be better off persevering rather than trying to change processes. If I am incorrect, I apologise, but the previous thread is no longer available for reference.
You have taken several steps in the right direction, such as installing the heavier powerpoints etc.
I really believe that the problem is the cheap chinese spool gun with voltage sensing wire feed and that you will be banging your head on a brick wall trying to achieve much with it.
Ally is probably the most frustrating material to mig reliably and does not tolerate poor preparation or equipment. Trying to feed soft Ally wire is in many ways akin to shooting pool with a rope. Unless it is supported properly, it just kinks. Working with Ally for many years for a living, I have seen how unforgiving of poor set up it can be and how seemingly small tweaks make a massive difference to the final outcome. Everything happens quickly with Ally. High amps, (for thickness of material), fast wire speeds and fast travel speeds are generally how it is done. Get in and get out quickly to achieve a nice looking weld that doesn't melt the material away blowing holes. You do not have the ability to work the weld like you do with steel.
I truly don't want to discourage you, but believe me, there are some non negotiables when working with Ally if you want to succeed.
Getting back to Tig and Ally. Cheap filler wire can leave a yellowish contamination on the finished weld and also be reluctant to melt off into the weld pool into the bargain, so don't try to scrimp on consumables either, they really aren't that expensive compared to the amount of weld they produce. Especially compared to some specialist mig wires that can run to $1400 per 15Kg roll! That is the most expensive wire I have used to date.
Good luck and remember that Rome wasn't built in a day.

hey guys to those who helped me in my deleted thread with the jims electrician thanks heaps, department of fair trading just called me and they have spoken with the head executive of the jims group and both my RCD switch and GST problems will be resolved the lady said hopefully today, im just hopping its not the same electrician who will be coming back out

Ok good to hear they followed up your complaint. It doesn't matter if they send the same guy back and he should be made to make good with what you asked for and satisfying the minimum electrical requirements. Just be polite and don't get into any arguments with him no matter how he carries on.

no worries john, the person in charge of Jim's services called back and said another person will be carrying out the work he than called back again to ask if the first electrician could come out with the new guy i said i would rather him not

Originally Posted by gazza2009au

no worries john, the person in charge of Jim's services called back and said another person will be carrying out the work he than called back again to ask if the first electrician could come out with the new guy i said i would rather him not

Hope it all goes/went well.

hey john, the director of jims electrician came out and carried out the unfinished job, i havent been outside to see the safety switch yet i will check that tomorrow if its not raining

also i wasnt reimbursed the over charging for the GST as the department of fair trading lady said i would be but not a big deal now its all finished just glad its sorted and i didnt have to call out another electrician to install the RCD switch

Oh well glad to hear that at least some action was taken and no doubt some action against the franchisee no doubt.