Need spool gun for lincoln pro mig 180

[Karl W]

Gentlemen, I've tried the sg100 to no avail. won't feed al wire properly.

Tried Nor star 140 to no avail.

Can anyone recommend a spool gun for under 300.00 that works?

I only need to weld up to 1/4" aluminum.

used 4 hrs per month in maintenance.

thx for help

Karl

[tapwelder]

What feed issues are you having with the, sg100? I had one for years. Initially I thought I had feed issues. However, after much adjustment ans service calls, I discovered a loose lug connection inside the machine. The lug had arced and created a rough surface/poor contact. I had the sand the connection smooth. Worked well after that. Paid for itself 200 times in one job.

[Moparfever]

I don't think you're going to get there under $300 unless you find a used gun. Recommended current and wire for 1/4" aluminum is about 200 amps and 1/16" wire. Those lightweight guns aren't going to do it.

[albrightree]

Run the wire without welding for 6 sec. how many in. x10= Ipm, is it smooth feeding when not welding? Is it birdnesting ? Is the wire stubbing, of burning back to the tip. You can try an aluminum liner in you magnum 100 gun and see if that works. It wont feed as fast a the gun would, but it will work.What size/type wire are you using. Polarity ? If you purchased the gun new, you should try calling service.
Good luck !

[dellwas]

I've got a sg100 and have welded at least a dozen times with it in the last year, no issues with it or my Pro Mig 180. Something is askew with your setup...

[rahtreelimbs]

I have found that when the spool gets low (wire gets more tightly wound) it tends to want to come off the feed roller.

[Karl W]

What feed issues are you having with the, sg100? I had one for years. Initially I thought I had feed issues. However, after much adjustment ans service calls, I discovered a loose lug connection inside the machine. The lug had arced and created a rough surface/poor contact. I had the sand the connection smooth. Worked well after that. Paid for itself 200 times in one job.

I'll check inside for arcing. (I just wish I could get a steady arc on the workpiece)...
The welder was bought new (box only) at lowes for $169.00. Me being kind of a sheeny couldn't pass it up.
I figured I'd use on al only. Thx for your advice. I still hate the pinch roller set up though, I don't know how arcing could affect that..
Karl

[Karl W]

I didn't count inches per min and such, but I did set real close to recommend settings on door. Already returned the gun.

[QCTechInsp]

Have you tried Lincoln aluminum kit K664-2? Although it is not listed, it is used on the 100L torch. You just change the liner and tips and add the aluminum roll and no need for a spool gun. It is also around 65 dollars.


http://www.weldingandcutting.com/Lin...FQQpaQodWOIN1Q

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...olnElectric%29

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/asset...iner/e1210.pdf


The only difference I see in the 100L gun (K530-5,K530-6) is that the latter comes with a cannon plug connector, but the inner liner should be the same. Just my 2 cents. I plan to buy this kit later for my HD3200.

[tapwelder]

My symptoms were wire dragging at the tip and frequent burn back/fried tips--lots of fried tips. I think soft wire runs better than hardwire. Though there is a setup for hard wire.