Push or pull on ally using MIG?

**constablechris** · 1st January 2012, 02:55 PM

Hello every one, Happy New year and all that.

I am about half way through building a 5 metre aluminium boat and all seems to be going well although some of my welds arent the neatest. Caused by operator error mainly as when the unit gets too hot, it starts spluttering about. I am using a migomag 200c to which I have fitted a North Push pull gun. I am running argon at about 18lpm.

I had been pushing my bun over the wleds, welding into the gas and it all looks pretty neat. Maybe a little too flat, but good penetration and the welds looked neat (could be better with better gun control)

Anyway, my mig had a problem so I took it in to get fuxed then hired a little cigweld 175i to use for a few days. Not a bad unit, but I couldnt get it to hum like the migomag so I wont be buying one of those too soon. But while I was looking at the directions for use (not something i do too often) I read that the prefered mig ali method is pulling the gun, so working away from the weld pool, instead of over the pool...

Which got me thinking... am I doing it wrong? I had a go at pulling, like all boys do,

but I am not producing nice clean welds and nor am I running as true as pushing because I cannot see so well where I am going.

What do people think and what advice can you give. The cigweld book said those welds are hotter and get better penetration whereas pushing produces neater.. I guess there could be a number of thought processes on this one

Regards

Chris

**Grahame Collins** · 1st January 2012, 04:28 PM

Hi Chris

Miller Welding say the the torch should be pushed as its important to keep the shielding gas in front of the arc pool.

I have used the pull technique but can recall the sooty dull finish on the bead surface.

Here's the vid on U tube of course.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_MiGrL9350&feature=youtube_gdata_player"]Miller Millermatic MIG Welders - Aluminum Welding - YouTube[/ame]

Theres some other good tips which may help.
cheers
Grahame

**johncar** · 1st January 2012, 10:14 PM

Well I am no pro welder but I think I will stick to pushing, works for me..I think I would only drag in a position that demanded it.
Surprising that the cigweld manual stated otherwise?? Maybe it is better in a way but the push method should be adequate to hold the boat together and look a lot cleaner.

**aametalmaster** · 2nd January 2012, 12:04 PM

I have been welding aluminum for 35 years and always push the gun. Here is some good info. How to recognize, minimize weld smut - Aluminum Welding Tech Cell - TheFabricator.com
...Bob

**constablechris** · 2nd January 2012, 09:53 PM

Thanks for the info gents, I don't think I will be completely changing to pull at any point, but I guess it has its worth in some situations

"From http://www.thefabricator.com/article...-and-resources

Although most manuals recommend wire stickout (from nozzle to steel) of 1/8-in. to 1/4-in., I recommend using as little stickout as possible. When filling in a big gap or hole, I allow up to 1/2-in. of stickout.

When welding thin gauge, allow more wire stickout—even up to 3/4-in. Use the push, or forehand, method because you don't want very much penetration.
Forehand welding allows you to see better with shallow penetration. Although difficult to see because of the nozzle, backhand welding is smooth and gives the best penetration."

Regards

Chris

**johncar** · 2nd January 2012, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by aametalmaster

I have been welding aluminum for 35 years and always push the gun. Here is some good info. How to recognize, minimize weld smut - Aluminum Welding Tech Cell - TheFabricator.com
...Bob

Thanks for the link to the Smut Bob, very worthwhile read..

And Chris yes that article was refering to welding steel it seemed which I think is more user friendly to either pushing or pulling, but even with steel I would push most of the time and have a fair amount of stick out.

The guy getting married in his helmet gave me a good laugh.

Thread: Push or pull on ally using MIG?

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Push or pull on ally using MIG?

Similar Threads

Difference in Push/Pull with MIG

Wire in a push pull gun...

Do You Push A CSM OR Pull it?

Push or Pull the router

Bowsaw, push or pull

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions