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Old 08-09-2009, 07:23 AM
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kolot kolot is offline
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Aluminum spoolgun wire?

anybody know if all wires are created equal, I am having feeding issues as I get near the last 1/3 or even 1/2 of my 4043 wire. Seems to kink more and I get a burn back. are any of the wires wound better or easier to use. Is 4043 what I want or 5056 better? I think I have my numbers straight but not sure.
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Old 08-09-2009, 08:09 AM
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Boostinjdm Boostinjdm is offline
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Re: Aluminum spoolgun wire?

I prefer 4043 myself. And if you are using that 30A the tension on the drive rollers and the tension on the spool can be finicky. Last time I used mine I was running about 19volts and pushing the gun. I don't remember what the wire speed was, I kinda think I remember the dial on the gun was 4.5, but I have no clue what the display said.
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Old 08-09-2009, 11:01 AM
transit transit is offline
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Re: Aluminum spoolgun wire?

I see from the listings, for non-critical maintenance work ER4043 is commonly used. The rule in selecting the electrode is to match the alloys and use wire recommended by the manufacture of the base metals. If you replace the ER4043 with ER5356, 5000 series wires will be stiffer than the 4000 series wires. Because of the higher magnesium content, ER5356 has a faster burn-off rate and requires a faster wire feed or you’ll have problems with burnback to the contact tip.
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Old 08-09-2009, 02:35 PM
SundownIII SundownIII is offline
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Re: Aluminum spoolgun wire?

kolot,

Same setup as you're using.

There is quite a bit of difference in wire (how it's spooled) from different manufacturers. Just have to find one that works well for you.

I, personally, probably use 5356 three to one over 4043. Wire is a little stiffer and tends to cause less feeding issues. As has been mentioned, you'll have to increase your WFS over the numbers on the door chart (those numbers are for 4043).

Some of the burnback issues you're encountering could be caused by the selection of tips you're using. Are you using a recessed tip for aluminum? Are you maintaining adequate stickout (aluminum dictates more)?

If we knew what tips, nozzles, etc you're using, we possibly could be of more help. The number of diffusers, tips, nozzles for the 30A can be somewhat mind boggling.
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